SAVOY All Stars Band

Lester "Prez" Young

Tenor Saxophone
​August 27, 1909 - March 15, 1959

Lester grew up in a musical family - the Young Family Band. In 1927, at 18, he left, refusing to tour the South’s segregated clubs.  He settled in Kansas City playing with Count Basie’s Orchestra. Billie Holiday nicknamed him “Prez” after FDR and he called her “Lady Day.”   

Drafted into WWII, he served regular army - not in a band. Before and after the war, Prez was featured on numerous recordings and in several bands.   His hip, free-wheeling style and was the seminal hipster. His brilliant solo career was cut short by alcoholism that claimed him at 49. “I’ll be the next one to go” said Billie Holiday at his funeral, and she was, four months later, at 44.

From WIKI:
WIKI:  Lester Willis Young (August 27, 1909 – March 15, 1959), nicknamed "Pres" or "Prez", was an American jazz tenor saxophonist and occasional clarinetist.

Coming to prominence while a member of Count Basie's orchestra, Young was one of the most influential players on his instrument. In contrast to many of his hard-driving peers, Young played with a relaxed, cool tone and used sophisticated harmonies, using "a free-floating style, wheeling and diving like a gull, banking with low, funky riffs that pleased dancers and listeners alike".

Known for his hip, introverted style, he invented or popularized much of the hipster jargon which came to be associated with the music.​

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​I play alto sax (and clarinet when needed) for the Savoy All Stars Band.  Savoy is located at Creations park, and is a recreation of the Savoy Ballroom of the 1930s and 40s.    My background includes a long run with Count Basie's Orchestra in Kansas City and numerous other ensembles.
The All Stars perform at special events at Savoy,  Come take a jump with us on the dance floor or chill in a booth or at a table.