Red Prysock

Biography

Wilburt 'Red' Prysock (February 2, 1926 – July 19, 1993) was an American R&B tenor saxophonist born in Greensboro, North Carolina, who became one of the early Coleman Hawkins-influenced saxophonists to pivot toward rhythm and blues rather than bebop. Prysock's musical journey began during his service in the United States Army during World War II, where he learned to play the saxophone. After the war, he moved north to Buffalo, New York in his early years, where his initial interest in music developed. He first gained significant attention as a member of Tiny Bradshaw's band in the early 1950s, delivering the lead saxophone solo on Bradshaw's hit 'Soft' in 1952, which showcased his emerging talent in the R&B and jump blues genres.

Prysock's career reached its commercial peak after signing with Mercury Records as a bandleader in 1954. His biggest hit came in 1955 with the instrumental 'Hand Clappin',' which became his signature recording and established him as a prominent figure in the honking tenor saxophone style. During this period, he participated in saxophone battles with other notable musicians, including a memorable contest with Benny Golson on 'Battle of the Mass' with Tiny Grimes and his Rocking Highlanders. In 1955, he joined the band that performed at Alan Freed's influential stage shows, further cementing his place in the rock and roll and R&B landscape. Throughout the 1960s, Prysock also played on several hit records by his brother, singer Arthur Prysock, demonstrating the musical talents that ran in the family.

Red Prysock's legacy rests on his distinctive honking tenor saxophone style and his role in bridging the gap between traditional jazz and the emerging rhythm and blues sound of the 1950s. His prolific recording career with Mercury Records produced numerous albums including 'Rock and Roll' (1956), 'Fruit Boots' (1957), 'The Beat' (1957), and 'Swing Softly Red' (1958), among others. Prysock passed away on July 19, 1993, in Chicago at the age of 67 from a heart attack, and was buried at Salisbury National Cemetery in Salisbury, North Carolina. His contributions to early R&B and jump blues saxophone playing remain influential in understanding the evolution of American popular music in the post-war era.

Fun Facts

• Red Prysock learned to play the saxophone while serving in the United States Army during World War II, transforming his military service into the foundation of his musical career.
• His biggest hit 'Hand Clappin'' (1955) became so iconic that he became known as 'the King of the Honking Tenor Sax,' with the song appearing on numerous compilation albums and reissues decades after its original release.
• Prysock was the brother of balladeer Arthur Prysock, and the two collaborated professionally during the 1960s, with Red providing saxophone accompaniment on several of Arthur's successful recordings.
• He participated in a notable saxophone battle with Benny Golson on 'Battle of the Mass,' showcasing the competitive yet collaborative spirit of the R&B and jump blues scene in the 1950s.

Associated Acts

• Tiny Bradshaw's Orchestra - tenor saxophone

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Coleman Hawkins - Stylistic influence - Prysock was one of the early Coleman Hawkins-influenced saxophonists who adapted the style toward rhythm and blues (General stylistic approach to tenor saxophone) [1940s-1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Tiny Bradshaw - Band member and early career breakthrough - Prysock played lead saxophone in Bradshaw's band ('Soft' (1952 hit)) [Early 1950s]
• Tiny Grimes and his Rocking Highlanders - Saxophonist in the band, participated in saxophone battles ('Battle of the Mass' (saxophone battle with Benny Golson)) [1950s]
• Roy Milton - Collaborating musician (Various performances) [1950s]
• Cootie Williams - Collaborating musician (Various performances) [1950s]
• Sil Austin - Co-bandleader on collaborative album ('Battle Royal' (Mercury, 1959)) [1959]
• Arthur Prysock - Brother and singer - Prysock played saxophone on several of his hit records (Multiple hit records) [1960s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Jump for George (The Red Robin R&B Story)
2. Jackpot (Rhythm & Blues Roots Hits from Harlem, NYC)
3. Crying My Heart Out (Rhythm & Blues Roots Hits from Harlem, NYC)
4. The Hammer (Rhythm & Blues Roots Hits from Harlem, NYC)
5. Hard Rock (Rhythm & Blues Roots Hits from Harlem, NYC)
6. Jackpot (The Red Robin R&B Story)
7. Hard Rock (The Red Robin R&B Story)
8. Wiggles (The Red Robin R&B Story)
9. Crying My Heart Out (The Red Robin R&B Story)
10. The Hammer (The Red Robin R&B Story)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

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