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.

The first professional venues he played were in Houston and included the El Dorado on Elgin and Dallas in Houston’s 4th Ward. He was part of the house band for the club for eight years. His principal influence was Johnnie Hodges of Duke Ellington’s band.

Mr. Smalley offered a practical and authoritative voice to younger musicians during his time by advising them to join the local union and to obtain a second job. He believed this was the safer route to a comfortable existence and lived his own life accordingly. In his later years he continued with his music while working at the Houston Public Library as a groundskeeper. He was a continual member of Houston’s Local 699; the union in that region for musicians. For pleasure he traveled and played with his contemporaries; noting L. D. Macintosh and Arnett Cobb in Los Angeles.

I. H. Smalley remained in Houston until his death in 1991.

From the guide to the I. H. Smalley Collection MSS 349., 1928 to 1975, (Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library)