Every Monday in 2014 (less a few time-sensitive posts and in-the-moment expressions) will be dedicated to the men in my life! Manly Mondays is back!
This week we're taking a glimpse at Mr. Johnny Hodges, a jazz musician.
- Born in Cambridge, MA in 1906
- He blew the alto saxophone
- Considered one of the definitive alto saxophones players of the Big Band Era
- He's most famous for his time with the Duke Ellington band
- His first instruments were the drums and piano (his mom was a skilled piano player)
- Sidney Bechet is likely the man we thank for introducing Hodges to the alto saxophone in 1920!
- Style notes: he was known for his style prowess and, in particular, his layering and textured double-breasted suits; I envision that in addition to a fedora, he would have rock a zip-collar sweater in a rich neutral like the one pictured below from Orvis. Thin enough to layer but substantial enough to stand on its own....
Mr. Johnny Hodges would rock this with a collared shirt underneath and a classic, slightly-oversized blazer
Grab it for your weekends or casual Friday uniform. It will go from work to weekend, and travel nicely!