Cat Anderson was undoubtedly the greatest high-note trumpeter ever. The solo on “Satin Doll” is an incredibly coherent chorus of notes. It is hard to believe that any other trumpeter in jazz history could reach more than one or two of these notes. Anderson learned to play trumpet at the Jenkins Orphanage, Charleston. He also toured with the Carolina Cotton Pickers where he recorded his first album. Anderson was a member of many groups, including Lucky Millinder and Lionel Hampton, from 1935 to 1944. Hampton was a fan of his mastery at high notes, but Hawkins fired Anderson allegedly out of jealousy. Duke Ellington hired Cat Anderson in 1944. It was the perfect place for him. Ellington loved writing difficult parts for Cat Anderson to play and Anderson enjoyed steady income and publicity. Ellington was more than a high-note player. He was a master at mutes and had a fine tone for the lower registers. However, no one could challenge him in stratosphere (although Jon Faddis and Maynard Ferguson have been close). Anderson was in Ellington’s band from 1944-1947 to 1950-1959 and again between 1961-1971. Anderson would occasionally leave to start his own bands, but he always returned. After Ellington’s passing, Cat Anderson moved to the West Coast, where he played in many big bands, including one that featured Bill Berry. Allmusic
