Abstract
In this study I examine the musical contributions and influences of four underappreciated Texan Tenor saxophonists Dewey Redman, King Curtis, Shelley Carrol, and Quamon Fowler. The purpose of this study is to examine the careers of each saxophonist, all part of the Texas Tenor lineage, and how their musical environments during their upbringing in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston helped shape forms of African American music such as blues, jazz, bebop, free jazz, R&B, rock-n-roll, and soul. This study will frame a historical perspective of African American-influenced Texan music based on interviews with Texas Tenors and scholarly works pertaining to the Texas Tenor style. This study also attempts to define the Texas Tenor style, particularly its origins, how scholars view it historically, and how it is still prevalent today.