Hardwick, Toby
(31 May 1904–05 August 1970)
- Barry Kernfeld
Extract
Hardwick, Toby (31 May 1904–05 August 1970), jazz alto saxophonist, was born Otto J. Hardwick in Washington, D.C. (His parents’ names and occupations are unknown.) A younger neighbor of Duke Ellington, Hardwick may have worked locally as a string bassist from as early as age fourteen. He attended Dunbar High School. Ellington got Hardwick started on C-melody saxophone around 1920, and his career followed Ellington’s: local jobs, many involving banjoist ...
