PAUL BASCOMB

Instruments: Saxophone
Date of Birth: February 12, 1910
Place of Birth: Birmingham, Alabama

One of the originators of the Bama State Collegians, which subsequently became the Erskine Hawkins Band . While at college he did some touring with the C.S. Belton Band out of Florida, then worked regularly with Bama State Band, moving with them to New York in 1934. He remained with Erskine Hawkins until 1944, then co-led a band with his brother "Dud" for several years before branching out with his own band. From the late 1950s his work was featured in Chicago and Detroit clubs. His tenor saxophone can be heard on recording with Count Basie during 1940 and 1941. He continued playing into the 70's and 80's, including visits to European festivals.