, in the form of his favorite records. They included Sidney Bechet, a celebrated soprano saxophonist, and Johnny Hodges, an alto saxophone master.
Undoubtedly, three factors explained his eventual mastery of the soprano saxophone: his interest in the music, long hours of practice, and a natural talent for music. He then went on to play other woodwinds, for example, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, and clarinet, as well as the trumpet, and excelled at them all. The woodwinds were truly his forte. Like all musicians of note, this self-taught king of music eventually gained mastery of his art through hard work and perseverance, driven by a passionate love of music.