HERMAN AUTREY

Instruments: Trumpet
Date of Birth: December 4, 1904
Place of Birth: Evergreen, Alabama
Date of Death: June 14, 1980

Born into a musical family (his father and two brothers were musicians) Autrey first played alto horn before switching to trumpet. He played in the band led by Charlie Johnson, then became a regular associate of Fats Waller. He recorded extensively with Waller but found time to gig with many other leading bands of the day, including those led by Fletcher Henderson and Claude Hopkins. In the early and mid-40's he was active as sideman and leader playing with Stuff Smith and Una Mae Carlisle. He was known as a robust and energetic trumpeter.