The name Oran Thaddeus Page might not immediately jump out at you, but as a trumpeter, Oran had a huge influence on The Big Band Era. More widely known as Hot Lips Page, he began his career as a member of the Oklahoma City Blue Devils in 1927.
Hot Lips played and toured with the Blue Devils until 1931, then joined the ranks of the Bennie Moten Orchestra. He became known throughout the Midwest as one of the hottest, up and coming trumpet players. After the death of Moten, Hot Lips spent time with Count Basie's band but was never really known as an official member of the band.
In 1937, Page formed his own Orchestra and had some immediate success. But over time, as talented as Hot Lips was, he struggled to maintain a regular working band. Throughout the 1940's, Page managed to tour the United States and Canada, but it's believed he did so with up to 13 different bands and combos that featured his name.
It's also important to note that in 1941 and 1942, Page joined on with Artie Shaw's band as a vocalist and trumpet soloist. In that short period of time, he recorded over 40 sides with Shaw.
It's estimated that Hot Lips Page made over 200 recordings during his career is considered by many to be one of the founders of what came to be known as rhythm and blues. Page passed away in 1954 at the age of 46.
Listen to: "Skull Duggery" by Hot Lips Page and His Band
You can hear the hot trumpet of Hot Lips Page right here on Swing City Radio.
