Buster Bailey was a jazz clarinetist who made his mark on the early jazz scene. Born in Memphis in 1902, Bailey got his start playing with W.C. Handy's Orchestra at just 15 years old. He went on to perform with some of the biggest names in jazz, including King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Fletcher Henderson.
Bailey was known for his fast, smooth clarinet style that made him a sought-after session musician in the 1920s. He spent over a decade with John Kirby's band from 1934 to 1946, but also played with other jazz greats throughout his career. In his later years, Bailey rejoined his old friend Louis Armstrong as part of Armstrong's All-Stars. He passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy as one of jazz's master clarinetists.
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