Otto Hardwick

Otto James "Toby" Hardwicke (May 31, 1904 – August 5, 1970)[1] was an American saxophone player associated with Duke Ellington.

[1] In 1923, Ellington, Hardwick, Snowden, trumpeter Arthur Whetsel, and drummer Sonny Greer had success as the Washingtonians in New York City.

They were booked at a Times Square nightspot called the Kentucky Club for three years where they met Irving Mills, who produced and published Ellington's music.

[1] He had a brief stint with Chick Webb (1929),[1] then led his own band at the Hot Feet Club, with Fats Waller leading the rhythm section (1930), led at Small's before rejoining Duke Ellington in the spring of 1932, following a brief stint with Elmer Snowden.

[1] In his biography of Ellington, author James Lincoln Collier stated that "In a Sentimental Mood," "Sophisticated Lady," and "Prelude to a Kiss" are adaptations of Hardwick melodies.