Drew Page

American Jazz musician (clarinet/saxophone), songwriter and author. Born 1905 Texas. Died 1990.. He grew up dirt poor but found himself interested in music, studied it, tried formal schooling (but couldn't afford it) and ended up in traveling territory bands before and through the depression. Early in his career, he auditioned for the John Philip Sousa Band and was offered the last chair but didn't believe he was good enough and decline the gig. He “grew up” in the jazz players Lyle (Spud) Murphy, Harry James, Warren Smith, and Dave Mathews. From 1938 to 1940 he was featured at the famous Chicago jazz spot, the Gay Nineties, with Mel Henke. His Hollywood period included work with Red Nichols, Phil Harris, Freddy Martin, and the KHJ radio staff orchestra. In 1951, Drew felt that he could better express himself in a small group. such a combo was the Billy Roe Quartet. They were frequently heard at the famous West Coast restaurant, Maison Jaussand, in Bakersfield, California. His musical career lasted more than 50 years. He is the author of "Drew's Blues: A Sideman's Life With the Big Bands" (1980) that tells of life on the road travelling with big bands.