BRITISH JUDGE ASKS, 'WHAT IS A SAXOPHONE?'
London, U.K. (JFK+50) On February 3, 1926, Associated Press reports that Justice Eve of the Chancery Division High Court here in London asked counsel during a recent case, "What is a saxophone*?"
The barrister replied,
"It is an instrument resembling a cornet and is used in...jazz bands."
Apparently, the judge was not musically inclined or educated about musical instruments at university or law school.
JFK+50 NOTE
A number of POTUS played musical instruments, but only two played the sax, Richard Nixon & Bill Clinton. Although JFK practiced piano as a child, he did not play any musical instruments as an adult. We do know that he enjoyed two musical pieces in particular, "Camelot" & "Hail to the Chief."
*saxophone is a single reed woodwind instrument with a conical body usually made of brass. It is used in concert, military, marching & jazz bands as well as in chamber music. The saxophone was invented in the early 1840s by Adolphe Sax.
SOURCES
"British Judge Asks What Saxophone Is; Gets Wrong Reply," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 3, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"US presidents who played musical instruments," by Kaley Lynch, February 19, 2024, www.fretzealot.com/
