Texan-born jazz trumpeter, a disciple of Louis Armstrong. Played on the West Coast with Sonny Clay and Buck Clayton, joining the latter on a tour to Shanghai in 1934. From 1936, signed with Lionel Hampton's band, appearing at the Paradise Club in Los Angeles. Buckner took over leadership of the group, when Hampton left to join Benny Goodman. The organisation disbanded during World War II, due to many of the musicians being called up for military service. During the 1950's and 60's, Buckner variously worked for Benny Carter, Gerald Wilson, Kid Ory, and others, as well as fronting smaller combos with residencies at 400 Club and Beverly Cavern. He also became a featured attraction at Disneyland in the mid-1960's.
