Charlie Barnet (1913-1991) had his first professional gig as a truant high school student, sneaking away after roll call to play three sessions a day with the dance band of a midtown Manhattan Chinese restaurant. After getting his union card, he played sax for several years as a sideman with second-rate bands across the country. But soon he was leading his own band in such hit songs as Cherokee, Pompton Turnpike, and Skyliner at the best clubs and...