Russell Procope

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Russell Keith Procope (August 11, 1908 – January 21, 1981) was an American jazz musician known for playing clarinet and alto sax. He spent most of his career as a member of Duke Ellington’s orchestra.

He was born in New York City and grew up in the San Juan Hill neighborhood, where he went to school with Benny Carter. His first instrument was the violin, but he switched to clarinet and alto sax. Procope began his professional career in 1926 with Billy Freeman’s orchestra and, at age 20, he made a record with Jelly Roll Morton. He then played with bands led by Benny Carter, Chick Webb (1929–1930), Fletcher Henderson (1931–1934), Tiny Bradshaw, Teddy Hill, King Oliver, and Willie Bryant.

When Henderson’s band dissolved in 1934, Procope joined Benny Carter’s orchestra. He also worked briefly with Tiny Bradshaw and Willie Bryant before joining Teddy Hill’s group in 1935. Teddy Hill’s band featured many top players, and in 1937 they toured Europe as part of The Cotton Club Revue, performing at the London Palladium.

In 1938, Procope joined John Kirby’s sextet, where he played mostly alto saxophone until 1945 (except for World War II). Kirby’s group was billed as “The Biggest Little Band In The World,” with members like Charlie Shavers, Buster Bailey, Billy Kyle, and O’Neil Spencer. Procope served in the U.S. Army from 1943 until the end of World War II, in the 372nd Infantry Regiment band.

Procope joined Duke Ellington’s orchestra in 1946, initially filling in for one night and then staying until Ellington’s death in 1974. He visited Europe again with Ellington in 1950. In Ellington’s reed section, he mainly doubled on the clarinet, though he could also play alto and other saxophones. His clarinet solos were known for sounding warm, woody, and understated, a contrast to Jimmy Hamilton’s brighter style.

Ellington described him as a sober and reliable musician. After Ellington’s death, Procope toured with Brooks Kerr’s trio. In 1956 he released The Persuasive Sax of Russ Procope on London Records, playing alto sax in a small group.

Procope’s playing blended lyrical phrasing with a swinging edge. He developed his own clear, personal voice on the clarinet, even as he could also perform on the saxophones. He passed away in New York City on January 21, 1981, at the age of 72.