Lester Young

Born in Woodville, Mississippi, Lester grew up in the New Orleans area. When he was eleven, he moved to Minneapolis with his father, who formed a family band. In 1927, Lester left the family band and toured with Art Bronson's Bostonians.

Young joined the Blue Devils in 1932. After the breakup of the Blue Devils, Lester played with Clarence Love and the combined Moten-Lee band before joining "Count" Basie at the Reno Club.

Lester first gained national recognition as a member of the Basie band. He was prominently featured on Basie's first recording session as a leader in 1936. Recorded under the pseudonym Jones-Smith Incorporated (due to a contractual obligation to Decca) "Lady Be Good" and "Shoe Shine Boy" showcased Lester's sweet and light sound. Lester continued his association with Basie until 1940. Beginning in 1946, Lester toured internationally with Jazz at the Philharmonic.

Delannoy, Luc.

Pres: the Story of Lester Young. Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press, 1993

Hammond, John.

John Hammond on Record. New York: Ridge Press, Summit Books, 1977.

Russell, Ross.

Jazz Style in Kansas City and the Southwest. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1968.

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