Earl Bostic: King of the Alto Sax

Earl Bostic: King of the Alto Sax

One of the most accomplished alto saxophonists of his time, Earl Bostic transformed the role of the instrument in American music. He was a pioneer of rhythm & blues and an early influence on rock 'n' roll, highlighting the saxophone's place at the center of popular music in the 1950s. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Bostic began playing with territory bands at 18 and honed his craft at the side of jazz icons like Fate Marable and Lionel Hampton. This first full-length biography explores Bostic's life and career, from the stories behind hits like "Flamingo" to his mentorship of John Coltrane. It explores how his genre-crossing style emerged and contextualizes his music within the social and political influences of post-war America. Offering new information, it examines Bostic's music and reassesses his sometimes-overlooked contributions, revealing his pivotal role in popular music. Derek Sculthorpe, an archives assistant and researcher, has written plays, short stories and articles. He lives in Leeds, Yorkshire.