Rabbit

Johnny 'The Rabbit' Hodges  was also known as 'Jeep'. Johnny taught himself to play the saxophone. One day, the jazz musician ,Sidney Bechet, heard him playing.

Sidney thought Johnny showed real talent, and gave him sax lessons. Johnny became a star performer at Sidney's jazz club.

In 1928, Johnny was asked to join Duke Ellington's orchestra. He played with the Duke for over 40 years.

Album image courtesy of Verve Records

Discover more about Johnny Hodges at www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/jazz/
profiles/johnny_hodges.shtml