Charlie Kennedy

A talented alto-saxophonist best-known for his solos with Gene Krupa's big band, Charlie Kennedy's early retirement from music has resulted in him becoming an obscure name in jazz history. He started playing clarinet when he was 12, growing up in New Jersey, before switching to alto and occasional tenor. Kennedy's first major job was with Louis Prima's big band in 1943. In 1945 he had his one opportunity to lead his own date, resulting in five titles (plus an alternate take) cut for Savoy in which Kennedy (the only horn) played effective swing tenor. His association with Krupa...