Introduction
Ira E. "Buster" Moten (December 16, 1903—October 15, 1965) was an American jazz pianist, accordionist, and bandleader. He is often credited as Bus Moten. He is related to Kansas City-based bandleader and pianist Bennie Moten, though sources disagree over the specific relationship, asserting brother, uncle, cousin and nephew.
Life and work
Buster Moten was born Ira Alexander Smith in Kansas City, Missouri, on December 16, 1903.
His professional career began in the late 1920s as the musical director of Bennie Moten's Kansas City Orchestra. He also composed music for the band until Bennie's death in 1935 from a botched operation. He also toured with the band in Louisiana.
In 1927, Buster and trombonist Thamon Hayes composed a song titled "Moten Stomp". It made the charts in 1928 where it remained for two weeks. This song was the basis for "Moten Swing" which was recorded in 1932 by Bennie Moten and his Kansas City Orchestra with Count Basie on piano. The song became an important jazz standard in the coming years, although it is most associated with Basie's Count Basie Orchestra, which recorded it in 1940. Count Basie in his autobiography stated that he and guitarist Eddie Durham deserved the most credit for the song. However, this claim is generally dismissed and Buster and Hayes are considered its original authors.
In 1929, Buster played accordion on Bennie's recordings of "Moten's Blues" (Victor Records BVE-55424) and "Terrific Stomp" (Victor Records BVE-55420). The latter was written by Bennie and trumpeter and cornetist Booker Washington.
After Bennie Moten's untimely death in 1935, Buster continued to lead the band under Bennie Moten's name for a year. Buster was difficult to work with and his key musicians left the orchestra one by one. Unable to fund the band, Buster started working with George E. Lee, a Missouri jazz bandleader, in 1936.
In the following years, Buster led the band with new members—Hot Lips Page, Jesse Price (drums), Billy Hadnott (bass), Orville DeMoss (alto saxophone), Robert Hibbler (trumpet), Dee Stewart (trumpet), and Odell West (tenor saxophone).
In the 1940s and 50s, Buster worked with his own band Bus Moten & His Men. In November 1949, his Bus Moten & His Men released "On The Gravy Train" and "Gone" (written by Vernon White) on Capitol Records (57-70033). The following year his group released blues tracks "Sugar Daddy Blues" and "That Did It". He also made a recording for Capitol Records, accompanied by saxophonist Ben Webster.
Between 1949 and 1961, he was involved in four recording sessions. On his 1961 recording, he played piano on the album Albert Wynn And His Gutbucket Seven with Robert Wilson (bass), Darnell Howard (clarinet), Booker Washington (drums), Mike McKendrick (guitar), Blind John Davis (piano and vocals), Al Wynn (trombone), and Bill Martin (trumpet and vocals).
Personal life
Buster was married to Altha Olivia Cullors Moten (1899–1965).
Death
Buster died in his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, on October 15, 1965, at age 61.