Smalley, Jr., Isaah H.

I. H. “Ike” Smalley (1915 to 1991) began his musical career playing clarinet in the Antioch Baptist Church orchestra. Within a short time his older brother sent him a saxophone indicative of the musical interest of his family. From that time, Mr. Smalley played the saxophone exclusively.

Being a native Houstonian, Mr. Smalley was dedicated to the jazz cultivated by the city. He was noted as saying that jazz is a part of Houston, and in Houston there will always be a demand to listen to jazz. In this environment Mr. Smalley’s unique sound had developed by the 1940s. He remained true to this style throughout his career.

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