Red Rodney, Before Charlie Parker

Before joining the Charlie Parker Quintet in late 1949, trumpeter Red Rodney (Robert Chudnick) had quite an illustrious and prolific career in big bands. Born in Philadelphia, Rodney turned pro at 15 and played in the horn section of major bands, from 1944 to 1949. [Photo above of Red Rodney]

Here's the list in order: Jimmy Dorsey, Elliot Lawrence, Gene …