Bobby Plater is best remembered as a longtime altoist with Count Basie's orchestra, even though he did not join Basie until he was 50. Plater began playing alto when he was 12. In his native Newark he worked with the great stride pianist Donald Lambert and (starting in 1937) the Savoy Dictators with whom he recorded. Plater was with Tiny Bradshaw's Orchestra from 1940-42, spent a few years in the military from 1942-45 and had a short stint with Cootie Williams. He was with Lionel Hampton's bands on and off from 1946-64 (occasionally contributing arrangements) and also freelanced. In 1964 he replaced Frank Wess with Count Basie's orchestra and remained there until his death 18 years later. Plater, whose only recording session as a leader resulted in four songs at a Memphis date for Bullet in 1950, was an important part of the Basie ensembles for years and took occasional solos. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi