This Texas born alto saxophonist received a unique nickname early in his career due to an accident with hair lye. Because of his fondness for his nickname, and his new look, he continued to shave his head throughout most of his career. While his saxophone influences stretch across jazz and popular R&B of the 30's, 40's, and 50's, he was also well known for his blues singing. He was a featured singer in well known big bands and his own band which he first formed at the end of 1945 with a contract with Mercury records.
A steady composer of jazz and blues, you may have heard his name mentioned as being the original composer of two tunes usually credited to a famous trumpet player from the St. Louis area.

Who is the Texas born saxophone player and what are the two tunes he is not commonly credited with composing? As a bonus who is the trumpet player mentioned?