Introduction
George James Catlett (May 13, 1933 – November 12, 2014), better known as Buddy Catlett, was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist, best known for his work as a bassist. He also appeared in feature films including Sex and the Single Girl (1964), When the Boys Meet the Girls (1965), and others.
A childhood friend of Quincy Jones, he had played with Jones in bands led by Charlie Taylor and Bumps Blackwell, as well as in a National Guard band. In 1959, he was hired by Cal Tjader. He later joined Jones' band for the "Free and Easy" tour of Europe. He played and/or recorded with Louis Armstrong, Bill Coleman, Curtis Fuller, Freddie Hubbard, Coleman Hawkins, Junior Mance, Chico Hamilton, Johnny Griffin and Eddie Lockjaw Davis.
Death
He died on November 12, 2014, at age 81. He had been living at the Leon Sullivan Health Care Center in Seattle's Central District.
Discography
- As sideman
- 1959: The Great Wide World of Quincy Jones - Quincy Jones
- 1960: From Boogie to Funk – Bill Coleman
- 1960: Big Brass - Benny Bailey
- 1960: Boss of the Soul-Stream Trombone - Curtis Fuller
- 1960: I Dig Dancers - Quincy Jones
- 1961: The Magnificent Trombone of Curtis Fuller - Curtis Fuller
- 1961: Rights of Swing - Phil Woods
- 1962: Goin' to the Meeting – Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
- 1962: Tough Tenor Favorites - Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis
- 1962: On My Way & Shoutin' Again! - Count Basie
- 1963: This Time by Basie! - Count Basie
- 1963: More Hits of the 50's and 60's - Count Basie
- 1963: Ella and Basie! – Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie
- 1964: Basie Land - Count Basie
- 1964: It Might As Well Be Swing - Frank Sinatra and Count Basie
- 1966: Wrapped Tight – Coleman Hawkins