Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1983.
Inspiration for the character "Pablo" in Hermann Hesse's novel "Steppenwolf".
Throughout his career, he never learned how to read music.
Often regarded as the best soprano saxophonist of all time.
Went to Europe with Will Marion Cook's Orchestra in 1919, but the tour was marred when he was briefly imprisoned and subsequently deported after a London incident involving a prostitute.
Bechet had rather more commercial success in France (eventually making his home there), as he was afforded greater freedom and enjoyed more audience appreciation than he did in the United States.
Briefly left the music business in 1938 to open a tailor shop in New York, but this career change was short-lived.