William C. Bailey, born on July 19, 1902 in Memphis, Tennessee, was an American
jazz clarinetist. He began learning clarinet under Franz Schoepp, later joining
William Christopher Handy’s band at 15. Bailey’s breakthrough came with his
first recordings for King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in 1923, followed by work
with Fletcher Henderson and collaborations with Louis Armstrong, Ma Rainey,
Bessie Smith, and Red Allen. He also recorded extensively as a sideman, notably
on "Fidgety Feet" (1927) and "Stealin' Apples" (1936). A session with Lionel
Hampton lead to "I Know That You Know" ...