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Ben Branch

 


Ben Branch LP Cover | Diskunion | tc245

We are fairly sure that Ben Branch is Ben F. Branch, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on 8 January 1928. Mr Branch was a jazz tenor saxophonist, social entrepreneur, civil rights campaigner and bandleader. 

Mr Branch was already a highly regarded session musician when he accompanied B B King on recordings in 1949. 

A Memphis resident, Mr Branch had a degree in music from Memphis State University. Legendary Stax musicians Isaac Hayes and Steve Cropper had their first breaks in music with Mr. Branch’s band. Mr Branch also issued recordings on other labels including the Memphis based Hi label. He was present at the Lorraine Motel incident in 1968. 

Ben Branch died in Chicago, Illinois on August 27, 1987. 

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