Died On This Date (September 19, 2010) Buddy Collette / Respected West Coast Jazz Musician
themusicsover William “Buddy” Collette
August 6, 1921 – September 19, 2010
Buddy Collette was an influential jazz musician who was equally adept at the clarinet, flute and tenor saxophone. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Collette was a respected figure of the West Coast jazz movement of the 1950s and a regular performer throughout the storied Central Avenue clubs. His most celebrated works were his collaborations with Chico Hamilton, Dexter Gordon, and Charles Mingus. During the early ’50s, Collette could be heard as part of the house band on Groucho Marx’s popular television program, You Bet Your Life, and in 1963, he became one of the first group of African-American players to perform in the Academy Awards show band. He also taught college level music throughout Los Angeles for many years and was largely responsible for the desegregation of the local musicians’ union, leading to more equitable wages for Black musicians. In later years, Collette worked tirelessly to preserve Los Angeles’ jazz legacy. Buddy Collette was 89 when he passed away on September 19, 2010.
Click here to watch the NAMM Oral History interview of Buddy Collette. Courtesy of Dan Del Fiorentino