1925 
Pepper's early work is on Central Avenue. He works with the Stan
Kenton and Benny Carter bands. After
an army interlude, he rejoins Kenton's big band as star soloist
from 1947 to 1952. His light, clean alto sound has a stronger edge
than before, and he is a tireless improvisor.
1970s
After rehabilitation in 1969-1971, Pepper returns to the jazz fray
in 1975 to great acclaim, touring and recording many highly praised
albums.
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1950s-60s
Pepper's solo career after leaving the Kenton outfit is littered with
personal problems - and spells in prison (1953-54, 1954-56, 1961-64,
1965-66) for heroin-related crimes. In the midst of this chaos some
wonderful albums are made, but Pepper finds it harder to find an audience.
In the 1960s he switches to tenor saxophone for a while, and under
the influence of Coltrane, experiments
with free jazz. He plays with Buddy
Rich briefly in 1968. |