Charles Baker Fowlkes (February 16, 1916 – February 9, 1980)[1] was an American baritone saxophonist who was a member of the Count Basie Orchestra for over twenty-five years.[2]

Early life

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Fowlkes was born in New York City on February 16, 1916.[3] He studied alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet, and violin before settling on the baritone saxophone (he occasionally played flute).[2]

Later life and career

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Fowlkes spent most of his early career in New York.[2] He played with Tiny Bradshaw (1938–1944), Lionel Hampton (1944–1948), and Arnett Cobb (1948–1951).[3]

Fowlkes joined Basie's orchestra in 1953 and remained with it until his death; the main interruptions during his time with Basie were absences due to managing the career of his wife, vocalist Wini Brown.[2] He died in Dallas on February 9, 1980.[3]

Discography

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With The Count Basie Orchestra

With Kenny Clarke

With Buck Clayton

With Stanley Cowell

With Al Grey

With Coleman Hawkins

With Milt Jackson

With Yusef Lateef

With Billy Taylor

With Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson

With Frank Wess

References

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  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Encyclopedia of Popular Music (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. p. 905. ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
  2. ^ a b c d Chadbourne, Eugene. "Charlie Fowlkes". AllMusic. Retrieved December 2, 2018.
  3. ^ a b c Koch, Lawrence (2003), Fowlkes, Charlie (Charles Baker), Grove Music Online. Oxford Music Online. Oxford University Press, doi:10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.article.J156100