Benny Waters

Benjamin Waters (January 23, 1902, Brighton, Baltimore, Maryland – August 11, 1998, Columbia, Maryland) was an American jazz saxophonist and clarinetist. known in part for the longevity of his career. He began on organ, then switched to clarinet and later added saxophone. The first band he joined in 1918 was Charly Miller's band. In 1922 he attended the New England Conservatory of Music where he gave lessons to Harry Carney. From 1926 until 1931, he was a member of Charlie Johnson's band. Later he worked with King Oliver, Fletcher Henderson, Claude Hopkins, and others. During these years he made several recordings with King Oliver and Clarence Williams. During 1941–1942 he played with the Jimmie Lunceford Orchestra, and later in the 1940s with Roy Milton. After that he started his own band and played at the Red Mill in New York. After New York he lived for four years in California. From 1952 to 1992, he lived in Paris, France. In 1996, he received the Legion of Honour from the French Ministry of Culture. He continued to perform regularly up to his 95th birthday. Waters became blind in 1992 due to cataracts.

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