A fine, swinging saxophonist,
Curtis Peagler was an asset to many different groups through the years. His alto sound was influenced by
Charlie Parker,
Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, and, to a lesser extent,
Louis Jordan. At 13, he started on the C-melody sax and soon joined the Sons of Rhythm on alto. Prior to being called up by the Army in 1953,
Peagler worked with territory bands and backed singer
Big Maybelle. After being discharged in 1955, he attended the Cincinnati Conservatory for two years and played locally; in 1960, with the assistance of
Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, he started recording for Prestige.
Peagler then recorded with
Lem Winchester and joined his
Modern Jazz Disciples, which recorded for Columbia. He moved to Los Angeles in 1962 to freelance, and spent 1966-1967 and 1969 with
Ray Charles. He did some studio work and toured with
Count Basie for seven years (1971-1978).
Peagler then resettled in Los Angeles, freelanced, founded the Sea Pea Records label, and recorded as a leader for Sea Pea and Pablo, also guesting on dates by
Harry "Sweets" Edison and
Big Joe Turner.
Curtis Peagler spent his last decade as a member of
the Cheathams' Sweet Baby Blues Band, recording with the Kansas City swing-oriented group for Concord before heart trouble shortened his life. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Green links represent an available CD.
Red links represent a CD that is not currently available.
Disciples Blues