Sonny Stitt
Sonny Stitt (born Edward Hammond Boatner Jr.; February 2, 1924 – July 22, 1982) was an American jazz saxophonist of the bebop/hard bop idiom. Known for his warm tone, he was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his generation, recording more than 100 albums. He was nicknamed the “Lone Wolf” by jazz critic Dan Morgenstern because of his tendency to rarely work with the same musicians for long despite his relentless touring and devotion to jazz. Stitt was sometimes viewed as a Charlie Parker mimic, especially earlier in his career, but gradually came to develop his own sound and style, particularly when performing on tenor saxophone and even occasionally baritone saxophone.
4/77. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sonny Stitt at the Micghigan Union. Photo by Peter Yates.
4/77. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Sonny Stitt at the Micghigan Union. Photo by Peter Yates.
American jazz saxophonist Sonny Stitt on stage at Newport Jazz Festival, Rhode Island, 1957. Stitt was one of the best-documented saxophonists of his generation, recording over 100 albums. Jazz critic Dan Morgenstern nicknamed him "Lone Wolf" in reference to his relentless touring and devotion to jazz.
