Duke, Osborn, 1924-1999

Osborn Lee Duke, Jr., was born in Fort Worth, Texas on October 6, 1924. He began playing the trombone in high school, and studied music at what is now the University of North Texas before joining the United States Army, serving in the 622nd Army Air Force Band in Italy during the Second World War. After the war, Duke played in the bands of Harvey Anderson, Bobby Byrne, Tex Beneke, and Sammy Kaye. He completed a bachelor's degree in English from Texas Christian University in 1950, and a master's degree from Columbia University in 1952. Duke achieved his greatest success as a novelist with his work The Sideman, and worked as a writer for the General Dynamics Corporation, including on the film Champion of Champions, narrated by Jimmy Stewart. He later worked for the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Osborn Duke died in Overland Park, Kansas, on December 21, 1999.