Benny Moten

No relation to Kansas City pianist-bandleader Bennie Moten, Benny Moten was a solid and supportive bassist for decades. He began seriously playing professionally in 1941 and Moten's many musical associations included Hot Lips Page, Jerry Jerome, Henry "Red" Allen (1942-49 and off and on during 1955-65), Eddie South, Stuff Smith, Arnett Cobb, Ella Fitzgerald, Wilbur DeParis' New New Orleans Band (1956-57 including a tour of Africa), Buster Bailey, Roy Eldridge and Dakota Staton (1961-63), among many others. Moten recorded with most of the above players (although never as a leader) and was active musically until virtually the end of his life. © Scott Yanow /TiVo