A good, if derivative, alto and soprano saxophonist and brother of keyboardist and arranger
Milt Buckner, Ted Buckner was a steady session player and soloist. He wasn't the most imaginative nor daring player, but his lines, tone and phrasing were proficient, as was his time and general technique. Buckner played with local bands in St. Louis and briefly with
McKinney's Cotton Pickers. He was in
Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra from 1937 to 1943, enjoying his greatest recognition. Buckner worked in combos in the Detroit area, touring Europe in the mid-'70s. He played on many Motown sessions, while also leading his own groups and co-heading a big band with
Jimmy Wilkins. Buckner periodically worked with
McKinney's Cotton Pickers until his death. There are a couple of his sessions available on Aircheck CDs, as well as some dates he played with
Kid Ory on Vogue. ~ Ron Wynn and Michael G. Nastos