Hot Lips Page

Trumpeter and vocalist Hot Lips Page was a key figure in early jazz, the swing era, and rhythm ‘n’ blues.

Oran Page was born in Texas on January 27, 1908. As a teenager, he began a career with the “territory bands” and the southwestern swing tradition. From a young age he possessed a sizzling style and command of the trumpet, which perhaps was the source of his nickname, although his friends noted his enjoyment of the early ‘20's Henry Busse/Paul Whiteman record “Hot Lips”, too.

Page made his mark with the Blue Devils and other seminal Kansas City bands, and he was an important member of the early Count Basie and Reno Club orchestras.

Leaving Count Basie to embark on a solo career, Page made a key contribution as a leader of small combos during the swing era and the 52nd Street nightclub scene. In that milieu he made numerous significant recordings. He also appeared as the featured trumpet soloist for a time with the Artie Shaw band in 1941-42. After World War II, Page was a key figure in the development of the rhythm and blues sound, both with his own records and backing singers like Wynonie Harris (“Good Rockin’ Tonight”).

You’ll enjoy “Lips” for his dynamic approach on the trumpet and an earthy, down home singing style, all of which conveyed a deep humanity and emotional connection with the music.

Page died of pneumonia and heart trouble at the early age of 46 in 1954.

originally broadcast September 27, 2015; rebroadcast May 9, 2021