Jerry Dodgion
Reeds

Hailing from Richmond, California, Jerry Dodgion gained early experience in the 1950's with the bay area bands of Rudy Salvini, John Coppola-Chuck Travis and Gerald Wilson as well as brief appearances with the Vernon Alley Quartet which included backing Billie Holiday in 1955. He joined Benny Carter on Gerald Wilson’s recommendation for the opening night of the Moulin Rouge in Las Vegas. As a member of the Red Norvo Quintet (1958-61) which included long stints in Las Vegas at the Sands Hotel, he also played tours accompanying Frank Sinatra (1959-60) and as part of the Benny Goodman groups of 1959 through 1961.
Upon settling in New York in 1961 Dodgion began a long career of associations, performing and recording with some of the foremost and diverse names in jazz, including Quincy Jones, Tadd Dameron, Thad Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughn; many of which continue to this day.