John Cornelius "
Johnny"
Hodges (July 25, 1906 – May 11, 1970) was an American
alto saxophonist, best known for solo work with
Duke Ellington's big band. He played lead alto in the saxophone section for many years, except the period between 1932 and 1946 when
Otto Hardwick generally played first chair. Hodges was also featured on
soprano saxophone, but refused to play soprano after 1946, when he was given the lead chair. He is considered one of the definitive alto saxophones players of the
big band era (alongside
Benny Carter).