The following biography is one in a series of "My Hero Essays" written by students at Miami Lakes Middle School. Special thanks to teacher and web mentor Lottie Simms, Mrs. Ball, band director, and Mrs. Mayland, computer education teacher.

  by Jeremy C.

The Story of Jullian Adderley (aka "Cannonball")

Born September 15,1928, in Tampa, Florida, Jullian "Cannonball" Adderley is now known as one of the greatest alto saxophonist to ever live.

Before moving to New York to pursue graduate studies in Manhattan, Cannonball was a high school band director. He formed his own quintet which featured his younger brother Nat Adderley on cornet. Due to the attention received from his group, Miles Davis featured the alto saxophonist in the Miles Davis Sextet (along with John Coltrane). This sextet performed together for two years (late 1957-1959), making the nationally acclaimed albums Kind of Blue and Milestones.