This African American saxophone player was drafted into the military near the end of the Second World War. As opposed to serving in a military band like Glen Miller or Artie Shaw, like most war time musicians, he was put into the regular army.

Having to abandon his saxophone for a rifle did not suit this individual as he was soon discharged with dishonorable conduct. The stated reason behind his discharge was said to be drug/alcohol related. It is however believed that his discharge also had to do with the racists tendencies of the army at that time. The mistreatment of this famous saxophone player began when military officers discovered that his wife was white. This is a transcribed section of his military trail:

Prosecution: How old are you, Private?

Response: I am thirty-five, sir.

Prosecution: Have you been taking narcotics for some time?

Response: For Ten Years.

Prosecution: Why did you start taking them?

Response: Well, sir, playing in the band we would play a lot of one-nighters. I would play another dance and leave and that is the only way I could keep up.

Prosecution: Any other musicians take them?

Response: Yes, all that I know.

Who was the unnamed saxophone player?

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