15 Facts About Buster Bailey

William C "Buster" Bailey was an American jazz clarinetist.

Buster Bailey was taught clarinet by classical teacher Franz Schoepp, who taught Benny Goodman.

In 1919, Buster Bailey joined Erskine Tate's Vendome Orchestra and remained with Tate until 1923 when he joined up with Joe "King" Oliver.

In New York during the late 1920s, Buster Bailey became a highly respected sideman with Perry Bradford and others, and appeared on numerous recordings playing both the clarinet and the soprano saxophone.

Buster Bailey rejoined Sissle's orchestra in 1931 and continued with the group through 1933.

In 1934, Buster Bailey briefly returned to Fletcher Henderson, but by the end of the year he had settled down as a member of the John Kirby Band.

Buster Bailey remained a member of Kirby's band until 1946, but that did not stop him from performing with other artists.

In 1934 and 1935, Buster Bailey was playing with the Mills Blue Rhythm Band and, in 1937, he was a session player for Midge Williams and Her Jazz Jesters.

Buster Bailey recorded music during this time as Buster Bailey and His Rhythm Busters.

In 1946, Buster Bailey led his own band, but his group lasted for only the year.

Buster Bailey was with the Saints And Sinners from 1963 to 1964, and in 1965 he rejoined Armstrong and became a member of Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars.

Buster Bailey died in April 1967 of a heart attack.

Buster Bailey was living in Brooklyn, New York, at the time.

Buster Bailey appeared on film three times during his career.

Buster Bailey appeared in 1958 in the DuMont TV series Jazz Party and in 1961 on the TV program The DuPont Show of the Week in an episode entitled "America's Music - Chicago and All That Jazz".