Charles Fowlkes


Charles Baker Fowlkes was an American baritone saxophonist who was a member of the Basie Orchestra">Basie (album)">Basie Orchestra for over 25 years.

Early life

Fowlkes was born in New [York City] on February 16, 1916. He studied alto and tenor saxophone, clarinet, and violin before settling on the baritone saxophone.

Later life and career

Fowlkes spent most of his early career in New York. He played with Tiny Bradshaw, Lionel Hampton, and Arnett Cobb.
Fowlkes joined Basie's orchestra in 1953 and remained with it until his death; the main interruptions during his time with Basie were absences due to managing the career of his wife, vocalist Wini Brown. He died in Dallas on February 9, 1980.

Discography

With The Count Basie Orchestra
With Kenny Clarke
;With Buck Clayton
With Stanley Cowell
With Al Grey
With Coleman Hawkins
With Milt Jackson
With Yusef Lateef
With Billy Taylor
With Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson
With Frank Wess