Marshal Walton Royal Jr. (December 5, 1912 – May 8, 1995)[1] was an American jazz alto saxophonist and clarinetist best known for his work with Count Basie, with whose band he played for nearly twenty years.
He then began an eight-year (1931–1939) stint with the Les Hite orchestra at Sebastian's Cotton Club, which was near the MGM studios in Los Angeles.
The band played for bond rallies, regimental reviews, at football games, and in concerts for the cadets and the community.
[3][4] When he left Basie in 1970, Royal settled permanently in Los Angeles, continuing to play and record, working with Bill Berry's big band, Frank Capp and Nat Pierce, Earl Hines, and Duke Ellington.
[1] With Count Basie With Kenny Burrell With Clifford Coulter With Coleman Hawkins With Monk Montgomery With Joe Newman