HAROLD ASHBY (saxophonist) was born March 27, 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri and passed away on June 13, 2003 in New York City. Citing Ben Webster as his major influence, Ashby joined Duke Ellington’s band in 1958 replacing Jimmy Hamilton on tenor, and playing alongside Johnny Hodges and Paul Gonsalves . After Ellington’s death Ashby performed with Sy Oliver, Benny Goodman, Junior Mance and Jay McShann on European tours where he had a large following.