The Story

John Edward “Teddy” Buckner was born July 16, 1909. He became a “well-known trumpet player whose passion for New Orleans styled jazz and swing took him around the world during a career that spanned more than six decades,” according to his biography on the allmusic.com website. The article notes, “Teddy Buckner appeared in a number of motion pictures during the 1930s and '40s. Most famously he stood in for Louis Armstrong in Pennies from Heaven and appeared with Fats Waller in King of Burlesque (both films date from 1936).”

Reference:

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/teddy-buckner-mn0000016632#biography

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George Holmes “Buddy” Tate was born February 22, 1913. He was known for developing the “Texas Tenor” sound on the tenor saxophone, and notably played for many years with the Count Basie orchestra.

 

According to his bio on allmusic.com., “Tate led his own crowd-pleasing group for 21 years (1953-1974) at Harlem's Celebrity Club. During this period, Tate also took time out to record in a variety of settings (including with Buck Clayton and Milt Buckner) and he was the one of the stars of John Hammond's Spirituals to Swing concert of 1967.”

Reference:

https://www.allmusic.com/artist/buddy-tate-mn0000631071

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About the Artist and Art

Anikah McRae Eason is a traditional and graphic artist who grew up in Sherman. She also is a certified IT technician. 

 

She describes her portrait of these two musicians: 

Buddy Tate, the Sherman-born musician, is portrayed in this digital artwork. His eyes are closed in deep concentration as he plays the saxophone, immersed in the music. The background swirls with abstract colors, echoing the vibrant energy of his performance.

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In the portrait of Sherman-born musician Teddy Buckner, his eyes are open as he passionately plays the trumpet. Against an abstract backdrop, his focused expression embodies the essence of his musical prowess.

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