Earle Warren (born Earl Ronald Warren; July 1, 1914 – June 4, 1994) was an American saxophonist. He was part of the Count Basie Orchestra from 1937.
Warren was born in Springfield, Ohio, on July 1, 1914. [1] "He played piano, banjo, and ukulele in a family band before taking up C-melody, tenor, and finally alto saxophone." [1]
When Warren became professional in 1930, he added an "e" to the end of his first name to make it different from other jazz musicians named "Earl". [1] In his early career, he toured the Midwest as a sideman, and led his own bands. [1] He joined the Count Basie Orchestra in 1937, playing baritone and alto saxophones initially, and then being lead altoist and occasional clarinettist and vocalist until 1945. [1] He led bands and occasionally reunited with Basie towards the end of the decade. [1] After managing some bands, he joined trumpeter Buck Clayton in 1957. [1]
Warren appeared in Born to Swing, the 1972 film about former members of Basie's band. [1] From 1973, Warren performed often at the West End jazz club in New York City, leading a band called The Countsmen. [1] He lived part of the time in Switzerland until his return to Springfield in 1992, where he spent the final two years of his life. [2] He died there on June 4, 1994. [1]
With Count Basie
With Buck Clayton
With Milt Jackson
With Jay McShann
With Buddy Tate
With Teri Thornton
With Milt Buckner