| Hilton Jefferson | |
| Birth Name: | Hilton Jefferson |
| Birth Date: | 30 July 1903 |
| Birth Place: | Danbury, Connecticut, United States |
| Instrument: | alto saxophone |
| Genre: | Jazz |
| Associated Acts: | Cab Calloway |
Hilton Jefferson (July 30, 1903 – November 14, 1968)[1] was an American jazz alto saxophonist born in Danbury, Connecticut, United States,[1] perhaps best known for leading the saxophone section from 1940 to 1949 in the Cab Calloway band.[2] Jefferson is said to have been "a soft, delicate saxophone player, with an exquisite sensibility."[3]
In 1929, Jefferson began his professional career with Claude Hopkins, and throughout the 1930s was busy working for the big bands of Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and McKinney's Cotton Pickers.[1] From 1952–1953, Jefferson performed with Duke Ellington, but ultimately became a bank guard to support himself with a steady income.[1] In the 1950s, he continued to perform, especially with Rex Stewart and some former members of Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra.[1]
With Dizzy Gillespie
With Rex Stewart
With others