Johnny Hodges (July 25, 1907 – May 11, 1970) was best known for his solo work with Duke Ellington's big band. He played lead alto in the saxophone section for many years. He is considered one of the definitive alto saxophone players of the big band era (along with Benny Carter).After beginning his career as a teenager in Boston, Hodges began to travel to New York and played with Lloyd Scott, Sidney Bechet, Luckey Roberts and Chick Webb. When Ellington wanted to expand his band in 1928, Ellington