Red Callender (March 6, 1916 -March 8, 1992) was a jazz and tuba player. He is most famous for refusing to work with Duke Ellington’s Orchestra or the Louis Armstrong All-Stars. Callender was born in Haynesville (Virginia). He was a member of the Lester and Lee Young Band in the 1940s. Then he formed his own trio. Callender recorded in the 1940s with Erroll Garner and Charlie Parker, Wardell Grey, Dexter Gordon, and many other musicians. After leading a Hawaiian trio, Callender returned home to Los Angeles and became one of the first black musicians who worked regularly in commercial studios. He also backed Linda Hayes on two singles. Callender, who recorded his 1954 Crown LP “Speaks Low”, was one of the first modern jazz tuba soloists. The bassist was busy until his death. His highlights included recording with Jo Jones and Art Tatum (1955-1956), playing with Charles Mingus at 1964 Monterey Jazz Festival, and working with James Newton’s avantgarde woodwind quintet (on the tuba). He also performed as a regular member the Cheatham’s Sweet Baby Blues Band. As a member B. Bumble and the Stingers, he reached the top of the British Pop Charts. He was buried in Saugus, California. From Wikipedia
