Cleve Eaton
Title
Cleve Eaton
Description
Bassist Cleveland "Cleve" Eaton in Chicago, 1974.
Born in Fairfield, Alabama, Cleve Eaton (1934-2020) moved to Chicago in 1960, becoming an active figure in the city's jazz scene. In 1964 he joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio, performing for ten years with the group and appearing on multiple gold and Grammy-winning records. In the 1970s he established himself as a solo artist, producer, arranger, and bandleader, releasing albums that blended jazz, funk, and disco influences.
In 1979, just after his induction to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Eaton joined the Count Basie Orchestra, serving as Basie's final bassist and remaining with the group for seventeen years. In the 1990s, he settled back in Birmingham, full-time, cementing his role as a respected and celebrated fixture of the local music scene.
Born in Fairfield, Alabama, Cleve Eaton (1934-2020) moved to Chicago in 1960, becoming an active figure in the city's jazz scene. In 1964 he joined the Ramsey Lewis Trio, performing for ten years with the group and appearing on multiple gold and Grammy-winning records. In the 1970s he established himself as a solo artist, producer, arranger, and bandleader, releasing albums that blended jazz, funk, and disco influences.
In 1979, just after his induction to the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame, Eaton joined the Count Basie Orchestra, serving as Basie's final bassist and remaining with the group for seventeen years. In the 1990s, he settled back in Birmingham, full-time, cementing his role as a respected and celebrated fixture of the local music scene.
Original Format
Photograph
Collection
Citation
“Cleve Eaton,” Southern Music Research Center, accessed May 21, 2024, https://southernmusicresearch.org/items/show/721.