Song on My Lips

Exploits of a young clarinetist mentored by Buddy De Franco and other jazz legends of the Big Band Era. Music lessons in New York opened the door backstage to memorable meetings with jazz greats who are profiled in educational sidebars featuring rare photos.

Stephen T. Botek's childhood was overshadowed by the Second World War, his teen years saw the rise of the Cold War, and the start of his professional career was aborted by the Korean War. Through all this, the struggle of poor blacks was gestating a powerful voice: jazz.
Botek heard the music and fell in love.
Embracing the clarinet, he soon became the toast of his Pennsylvania mining town.
Wanting more, left for New York, where he found mentors in bebop pioneer Buddy DeFranco and renowned clarinet educator Gustave Langenus. Taking on the saxophone, he secured another mentor in swing great Joe Allard.
After an education at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, his career as a professional musician was quickly cut short by the Korean War. Joining the United States Air Force Band he toured the globe.
Returning to civilian life he continued performing, and developed an interest in medicine.
Today, a professional psychiatrist, Botek lives in New York. Even as a practicing doctor, he continues to play. Jazz still resounds as a significant force in his life.