Al Sears

American jazz saxophonist (tenor and baritone) and bandleader. Born : February 21, 1910 in Macomb, Illinois. Died : March 23, 1990 in New York City, New York. Brother of sax player Marion Sears. His first important professional engagement found Al Sears in Chick Webb's orchestra (1928) replacing Johnny Hodges. Following that he played with Elmer Snowden (1931-32) and between 1933 and 1941 Sears was the leader of his own groups. He then united with Andy Kirk's orchestra (1941-42) and with Lionel Hampton (1943-44). In 1944 he replaced Ben Webster in Duke Ellington's orchestra where Sears became one of its greatest soloists. Sears left Duke in 1949 and was replaced by Paul Gonsalves. Sears then played with Johnny Hodges (1951-52) and then enjoyed a long career as leader of his own bands, playing Jazz, R&B and Rock & Roll. He died in 1990.