List of Famous Bandleaders
- James Brown, often dubbed "the Godfather of Soul," was a seminal figure in the evolution of rhythm and blues into soul music and funk. Born on May 3, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, Brown's early life was marked by extreme poverty and abandonment. Despite the hardships, he discovered his love for music and performance at a young age, which propelled him to rise above his circumstances and become one of the most influential musical icons of the 20th century. Brown began his career as a gospel singer with the group The Gospel Starlighters. However, his breakthrough came in the mid-1950s when he joined The Famous Flames as a lead vocalist. His electrifying performances and unique blend of rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz elements soon grabbed international attention. His hit singles such as "Please, Please, Please" and "Try Me" set the stage for a new era of soul music. By the 1960s, Brown had also pioneered funk music with hits like "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)," earning him another title - "the Hardest Working Man in Show Business." Brown's influence extended beyond music. He was an active figure during the Civil Rights Movement, using his platform to advocate for black empowerment and social change. His song "Say It Loud - I'm Black and I'm Proud" became an anthem for the movement. Despite personal struggles and legal troubles later in life, Brown's legacy as a trailblazer in music and social activism remains intact. His groundbreaking sound and dynamic performances continue to inspire generations of musicians across various genres. James Brown passed away on December 25, 2006, but his music and his message continue to reverberate, underscoring his enduring impact on the world of music and beyond.
- Emmylou Harris, a highly respected figure in the realm of country music, was born on April 2, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her father, Walter Harris, served as a Marine Corps officer and spent ten months in a Korean prison camp when Emmylou was five years old. This early exposure to hardship and resilience perhaps instilled within her the emotional depth that would later resonate through her music. After graduating from Gar-Field Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, Harris won a drama scholarship to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. However, her passion for music was too strong to ignore, leading her to drop out of college to pursue a career in folk music in New York City. Emerging in the 1970s, she worked closely with Gram Parsons, who introduced her to the world of country-rock music. Their collaboration ended abruptly with Parsons's untimely death in 1973, but the influence he had on Harris was profound. She soon established herself as a solo artist, combining elements of country, folk, and pop to create a distinctive sound that would make her one of the most influential artists in her genre. Her first major-label album, Pieces of the Sky, released in 1975, included a cover of The Beatles' "For No One" and marked the beginning of her successful career. Throughout the decades, Harris has consistently demonstrated her versatility as an artist, experimenting with various genres and collaborating with a wide range of musicians. She has also shown a commitment to social issues, using her platform to advocate for animal rights and landmine eradication. With 14 Grammy Awards to her name and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, Harris's enduring impact on the music world cannot be overstated. Despite the many accolades and achievements, she remains a humble and dedicated artist, continually seeking new ways to express herself through her music.
- Paul Simon, a name synonymous with American music, is a multi-talented artist known for his contributions as a singer, songwriter, and actor. Born in Newark, New Jersey on October 13, 1941, he began his journey in music at a young age. His early fascination with baseball was soon replaced by a love for music when he received his first guitar at the age of 11. This marked the beginning of a career that would span over six decades, earning him numerous accolades and establishing him as one of the most influential musicians of his time. Simon's breakthrough came in the 1960s with his childhood friend Art Garfunkel, forming the iconic folk rock duo "Simon & Garfunkel". Their harmonious blend of voices produced timeless hits like "The Sound of Silence", "Mrs. Robinson", and "Bridge Over Troubled Water", which are considered cornerstones of American music. Despite their split in 1970, their music continues to resonate with audiences globally. Embarking on a solo career post-Simon & Garfunkel, Paul Simon proved his mettle as an individual artist. His album Graceland, which infused pop with South African musical styles, won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 1986. Simon's ability to merge diverse musical genres showcased his versatility and creative genius. Over the years, he has been honored with 16 Grammy Awards, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and even a Kennedy Center Honor. With an illustrious career marked by innovation and success, Paul Simon remains a celebrated figure in the world of music.
- The first ever male African-American to win a Grammy Award, jazz pianist and bandleader Count Basie helped to define the swing era with his distinctive blend of minimal sparse solos and jumping beats. Mentored by the likes of Fats Waller and Willie 'The Lion' Smith, Basie began his career performing in various groups around the major jazz cities before forming the orchestra that he would go on to lead for over half a century. Responsible for launching the careers of such seminal musicians as Lester Young, Buck Clayton and Freddie Green, Basie also helped to showcase the talents of legendary vocalists Billie Holiday, Jimmy Rushing and Joe Williams, and unlike many of his peers, managed to remain a key musical figure long after the big band sound's decline in popularity.
- Duke Ellington, born Edward Kennedy Ellington in Washington D.C. on April 29, 1899, developed into an iconic figure of the 20th century music, revered for his profound impact on the jazz genre. The son of two pianists, Ellington's musical journey began at the age of seven when he started piano lessons, but it was more than a decade later when he truly fell in love with ragtime. In his early career, he performed in various D.C. clubs before he formed "The Duke's Serenaders" in 1917, heralding the start of his professional music career. The 1920s saw Ellington move to New York City, the epicenter of jazz innovation. His band, renamed "The Washingtonians", played at the Kentucky Club where they caught the attention of agent Irving Mills. This turned out to be a pivotal moment in Ellington's career. Mills helped to secure a spot for the band at the famous Cotton Club, leading to nationwide radio broadcasts that brought Ellington's innovative, orchestral jazz sound into homes across the country. It was during this period that Ellington created some of his most lauded works including Mood Indigo, Sophisticated Lady, and Black and Tan Fantasy. In the following decades, Duke Ellington composed thousands of scores that made a mark on American music. He became renowned for his ability to blend melodies, rhythms and subtle sonic movements into a unified whole. His unique compositions often broke down barriers between different musical genres and influenced not just jazz but the wider world of music. His illustrious career spanned more than half a century, earning him a dozen Grammy awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom among numerous other accolades. Ellington passed away on May 24, 1974, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary music.
- Lawrence Welk (March 11, 1903 – May 17, 1992) was an American musician, accordionist, bandleader, and television impresario, who hosted the television program The Lawrence Welk Show from 1951 to 1982. His style came to be known to his large audience of radio, television, and live-performance fans (and critics) as "champagne music".
- Chrissie Hynde, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band The Pretenders, has earned her place in the annals of music history with her distinctive voice and powerful songwriting talent. Born on September 7, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, USA, she cut her teeth in the local music scene before deciding to cross the Atlantic and immerse herself in London's punk era. In England, Hynde worked in various jobs including writing for NME and designing shop windows for Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood before she formed The Pretenders in 1978. Driven by Hynde's passion, the band quickly made a mark in the music charts, with hits like "Brass in Pocket" and "Back on the Chain Gang". Although the band went through several lineup changes over the years, Hynde remained at its core, continuing to pen lyrics that spoke to a generation and beyond, while her raw and emotive vocal style resonated across the globe. Hynde's influence extends far beyond the realm of music. A staunch advocate for animal rights, she's been involved with PETA and other organizations, using her fame to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. Her autobiography, Reckless: My Life as a Pretender, published in 2015, provides an intimate look into her life and career, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her craft.
- One of the most popular and prolific figures in jazz music for more than four decades, trumpeter and songwriter Wynton Marsalis sought to define, often in controversial terms, the boundaries of the genre through the prism of American history with such works as his Pulitzer Prize-wining album Blood on the Fields (1997) and tributes to music giants like Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk and Willie Nelson. Born October 18, 1961 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was raised in a musical family: his father, Ellis Marsalis, was a pianist, while brothers Branford, Delfeayo and Jason all pursued careers in jazz. Wynton received his first trumpet at the age of six from Al Hirt, with whom his father played; he was soon performing with local school and church groups before graduating to jazz and funk bands. At 17, he was admitted to the Berkshire Music Center, where he trained with Woody Shaw before joining Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1980. His tenure there, along with tours with Herbie Hancock and performances with major figures like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughn, led to a record contract with Columbia, which issued his debut LP in 1981. The following year, he teamed with his brother, Branford, for a formidable quintet that included Kenny Kirkland and Jeff "Tain" Watts, while also recording albums of classical trumpet. Both outlets helped to boost Marsalis to the forefront of the jazz and classical worlds, before Marsalis brought the group to a close in 1985. He subsequently launched a second group, a septet with four horns and pianist Marcus Roberts that allowed him to explore more complex songwriting and arrangements. During this period, he was also involved in numerous projects, including the PBS series "Marsalis on Music," which explored the jazz and classical worlds. More significantly, he launched the Jazz at Lincoln Center venue in 1987, which provided a world-class performance and education space for year-round jazz and classical concerts. In 1995, he disbanded his septet to work on a sprawling oratorio, Blood on the Fields (1997), which became the first jazz-related work to win a Pulitzer Prize. Though his opinions on what constituted "jazz" were often controversial - he was dismissive of free jazz, fusion and most other trends after the 1950s - Marsalis remained one of the form's most prolific and enthusiastic supporters, through a dizzying array of published works, concerts, documentaries like Ken Burns' "Jazz" (2005) and most importantly, his recorded work. Marsalis paid tribute to figures and moments of historic and social significance with an exhaustive series of releases in 1999, from the iconic pianist Thelonious Monk with Standard Time, Vol. 4: Marsalis Plays Monk and singer Pearl Brown on Goin' Down Home. He followed these with explorations of America's conflicted soul in From the Plantation to the Penitentiary (2007), the music of Willie Nelson on Two Men with the Blues (2008) and Ray Charles on Here We Go Again (2011). Marsalis also recorded with Eric Clapton on the concert album Play the Blues: Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center (2011) and took the Center's Orchestra to Cuba for a two-disc concert recording in 2015. The following year, Marsalis honored the 200th anniversary of Harlem's Abyssinian Church with The Abyssinian Mass (2016) while also finding time to oversee Julliard's Jazz program.
- Lionel Hampton worked on a variety of projects during his entertainment career. Hampton had an early acting career in film, appearing in such titles as "A Song Is Born" (1948), the Steve Allen biopic "The Benny Goodman Story" (1955) and the Alan Freed musical "Mister Rock and Roll" (1957). He also appeared in "No Maps on My Taps" (1978). Hampton worked in television around the start of his acting career with a role on "Austin City Limits" (PBS, 1974-2015). Hampton also contributed music to "The Atomic Cafe" (1982) with Kevin Rafferty. In the eighties and the nineties, Hampton's music continued to appear on the silver screen, including in films like the comedy "Losin' It" (1983) with Tom Cruise, "Pobre Mariposa" (1986) and the adaptation "Memphis Belle" (1990) with Matthew Modine. Hampton's music was also featured in the Nicolas Cage dramatic adaptation "City of Angels" (1998), "Focus" (2001) with William H. Macy and the Julia Roberts dramatic period piece "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003). His music was also featured in the thrilling mystery "Hollywoodland" (2006) with Adrien Brody and the romantic comedy "Music and Lyrics" (2007) with Hugh Grant. Hampton's music was most recently featured in the Keanu Reeves action flick "John Wick" (2014).
- Herbie Hancock, born in 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, is an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and composer whose innovative approaches to music have made him a significant figure in the evolution of modern jazz. His musical journey began with classical training as a child prodigy, leading to his first public performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at just 11 years old. He later studied electrical engineering and music at Grinnell College before pursuing a full-time career in music. Hancock's professional breakthrough came when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet in 1963. During his five years with the group, he contributed extensively to the development of post-bop sounds. His work on albums like Maiden Voyage and Empyrean Isles showcased his innovative harmonic progression and rhythmic complexity, which would become signature elements of his style. In parallel to his work with Davis, Hancock also led his own groups, including the experimental sextet Mwandishi, which incorporated electronic instruments and funk rhythms. In the 1970s, Hancock ventured further into electronic music and funk with his band The Headhunters, achieving commercial success with the hit single "Chameleon". He continued to break new ground in the following decades, blending jazz with pop, R&B, and hip-hop elements. His 2007 album River: The Joni Letters, a tribute to singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell, won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year, making Hancock one of the few jazz musicians to receive this honor. A dedicated educator and humanitarian, Hancock has also served as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue since 2011. His contributions to music and culture continue to resonate worldwide, marking him as a true icon of jazz.
- Miles Davis, born in Alton, Illinois on May 26, 1926, was a seminal figure in the landscape of American music. Known for his innovation and artistic vision, Davis shaped the course of jazz over his five-decade-long career, blending elements of rock, classical music, and funk into his compositions. Davis, a trumpeter, bandleader, and composer, is famed for his unique, muted style that revolutionized the genre by introducing modal playing—a stark contrast to the predominant bebop style of the 1940s. Davis' career commenced at the age of 18 when he moved to New York City to study at the Julliard School of Music, but soon dropped out to play professionally. He joined Charlie Parker's quintet, marking his emergence in the bebop scene. In 1959, Davis' album Kind of Blue was released, which is regarded as one of the most influential jazz albums ever recorded. The album introduced modal jazz improvising on a series of scales or modes rather than chord progressions to a broader audience. Throughout his career, Davis battled personal demons including drug addiction, yet he continually evolved his musical style. In the late 1960s, he pioneered jazz-rock fusion with the album Bitches Brew. The 1980s saw Davis incorporating hip-hop elements into his music, further showcasing his versatility and willingness to explore. Davis passed away in 1991, leaving behind an immense body of work that continues to influence generations of musicians. His legacy is encapsulated not only in the Grammy Awards, the Miles Davis Award at the Montreal Jazz Festival, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but also in his enduring influence on the trajectory of jazz and popular music.
- Known as a foundational figure in rock and roll, Richard Wayne Penniman, famously known as Little Richard, was born on December 5, 1932, in Macon, Georgia. Being one of 12 children, his early life was steeped in the rhythms of gospel music, which played an integral role in shaping his flamboyant style and powerful vocals. He began his musical journey as a teenager, performing with various traveling shows and vaudeville acts. His vibrant personality and unique musical style grabbed attention quickly, and he started recording in the early 1950s. Little Richard's breakthrough came in 1955 when he signed with Specialty Records. His first hit, "Tutti Frutti," was released later that year, reaching No. 2 on Billboard's R&B chart, and it was followed by a string of hits over the next several years, including "Long Tall Sally," "Rip It Up," and "Lucille." These records played a significant role in defining the energetic and rebellious spirit of rock and roll. The infectious rhythm, combined with his enthusiastic performance style, made him an exciting and controversial figure in the conservative music world of the 1950s. Although Little Richard enjoyed considerable success, his career was not without its challenges. He abruptly left the music industry in 1957 to become an ordained minister and gospel musician. However, he returned to rock and roll in the mid-1960s. His influence on the music world is indisputable, having inspired countless musicians across different genres, from the Beatles to Prince. Aside from his revolutionary impact on music, Little Richard is also recognized for challenging racial and gender norms in the mid-twentieth century. His legacy continues to be celebrated worldwide, underscoring his place as a true pioneer of rock and roll.
- Alton Glenn Miller (March 1, 1904 – disappeared December 15, 1944) was an American big-band trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era. He was the best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading one of the best-known big bands. Miller's recordings include "In the Mood", "Moonlight Serenade", "Pennsylvania 6-5000", "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "A String of Pearls", "At Last", "(I've Got a Gal In) Kalamazoo", "American Patrol", "Tuxedo Junction", "Elmer's Tune", and "Little Brown Jug". In just four years Glenn Miller scored 16 number-one records and 69 top ten hits—more than Elvis Presley (38 top 10s) and the Beatles (33 top 10s) did in their careers. While he was traveling to entertain U.S. troops in France during World War II, Miller's aircraft disappeared in bad weather over the English Channel.
- Jeffrey Scot Tweedy (born August 25, 1967) is an American songwriter, musician, and record producer best known as the singer and guitarist of the band Wilco. Tweedy, originally from Belleville, Illinois, started his music career in high school in his band The Plebes with Jay Farrar, which subsequently transitioned into the alternative country band Uncle Tupelo. After Uncle Tupelo broke up Tweedy formed Wilco which found critical and commercial success, most notably with Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born, the latter of which received a Grammy for Best Alternative Album in 2005. Across Tweedy's career he has released 18 studio albums, including four with Uncle Tupelo, ten with Wilco, one with his son Spencer, a solo acoustic album, two solo studio albums, along with numerous collaborations with other musicians, most notably Mermaid Avenue with Billy Bragg. On November 30, 2018 Jeff Tweedy released Warm, his first solo album of new material. Warmer, a companion album to Warm, was released on April 13, 2019.In November 2018, Tweedy released his first memoir, Let's Go (So We Can Get Back).
- Rick James, born as James Ambrose Johnson Jr. on February 1, 1948, in Buffalo, New York, was an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer widely recognized for his prominent role in the funk music genre. Raised in a musical household, James began his career singing on street corners and in various bands before eventually enlisting in the U.S. Navy, only to desert to Toronto, Canada where he formed the rock & roll group, The Mynah Birds. James's music career went through highs and lows, but his unique blend of soul, punk, and rock led to his breakthrough success in the late 1970s with hits like "You and I" and "Mary Jane". His 1981 album, Street Songs, featuring unforgettable tracks like "Give It to Me Baby" and "Super Freak", reached double-platinum status, further cementing his place in music history. James' work extended beyond his own albums as he wrote and produced songs for other artists, including Teena Marie and The Temptations. His influence can be seen in numerous later works, most notably in MC Hammer's 1990 megahit, "U Can't Touch This," which heavily samples "Super Freak." However, Rick James's life was not without controversy. His flamboyant lifestyle, marked by substance abuse and legal troubles, often overshadowed his musical genius. Despite his tumultuous personal life, James continued to create music up until his untimely death in 2004. Today, his legacy lives on, not just in his own iconic hits, but also in the countless songs that have sampled his work, ensuring that his singular sound continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
- Charles Mingus Jr. (April 22, 1922 – January 5, 1979) was an American jazz double bassist, pianist, composer and bandleader. A major proponent of collective improvisation, he is considered to be one of the greatest jazz musicians and composers in history, with a career spanning three decades and collaborations with other jazz legends such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Dannie Richmond, and Herbie Hancock. Mingus' compositions continue to be played by contemporary musicians ranging from the repertory bands Mingus Big Band, Mingus Dynasty, and Mingus Orchestra, to the high school students who play the charts and compete in the Charles Mingus High School Competition. In 1993, the Library of Congress acquired Mingus's collected papers—including scores, sound recordings, correspondence and photos—in what they described as "the most important acquisition of a manuscript collection relating to jazz in the Library's history".
- John Coltrane, also known by his artistic name "Trane," was an influential American jazz saxophonist and composer. Born on September 23, 1926, in Hamlet, North Carolina, Coltrane's life was deeply marked by musical exploration and spiritual quest, which collectively played a pivotal role in shaping the history of jazz music. In his early years, Coltrane navigated through a myriad of musical influences, including swing and bebop. However, his career took a definitive turn when he joined the Miles Davis Quintet in 1955. During this time, he developed a distinctive improvisation style, famously known as 'sheets of sound,' characterized by rapid sequences of notes with an array of pitch changes. He left Davis's band in 1957 due to his escalating substance abuse issues but managed to overcome his struggle and re-emerged as a transformed musician. Coltrane's significant works include his recordings with Atlantic Records and Impulse! Records, most notably Giant Steps (1960) and My Favorite Things (1961). Coltrane's later years were marked by exploration of avant-garde jazz and world music, creating a style that was uniquely his own. This period saw the creation of his acclaimed album A Love Supreme (1965), considered a cornerstone of jazz history. His work, often spiritual and introspective, left a profound impact on countless musicians who followed. Despite his untimely death from liver disease on July 17, 1967, at the age of 40, Coltrane's legacy continues to thrive and inspire generations of artists.
- George Clinton, a paramount figure in the world of music, has left a sizable mark on the history of funk and R&B. Born in 1941 in Kannapolis, North Carolina, his journey to musical stardom began with a move to New Jersey in his teens where he formed the doo-wop group, The Parliaments. This group was a stepping stone for Clinton, leading him to form two significant bands - Parliament and Funkadelic, which would go on to redefine the soundscapes of the 1970s. As the mastermind behind the bands Parliament and Funkadelic, Clinton revolutionized the genre of funk music, blending elements of jazz, rock, pop, and soul. His distinctive style and vision led to hit songs like "Flash Light," "P-Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up)," and "One Nation Under a Groove," with each song showcasing his ability to create a distinct and infectious groove. Clinton's work with these bands was crucial in pushing the boundaries of musical genres and his compositions have been widely sampled by hip hop artists, underlining the enduring influence of his music. Away from his life on stage, George Clinton is also known for his unique sense of style, often described as psychedelic. His flamboyant fashion choices, coupled with his rainbow-colored hair, added a visual element to his music, making his shows a complete sensory experience. Despite facing challenges along his journey, including legal battles over copyrights and battles with drug addiction, Clinton's resilience and dedication to his craft have helped him remain a prominent figure in the music industry. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, securing his place in musical history.
- The least likely hipster since Sammy Davis, Jr. was drafted into the Rat Pack, Paul Shaffer made not only a lifetime but an industry of spinning his shortcomings into bold career moves. The only son of a Thunder Bay attorney with a passion for jazz, Shaffer was trucked by his parents on vacations to Las Vegas, where he developed an early taste for dazzle and ring-a-ding-ding. A rock-n-roll worshipping teenager, Shaffer joined a boy band called the Fugitives, playing keyboards at sock hops and hockey games. Long distance radio broadcasts from the United States and chance encounters with kindred souls led Shaffer to try his hand as a freelance musician. Despite never being able to read music well, Shaffer lucked into a job as a musical director for the Toronto production of "Godspell," whose success and connections brought him to New York City in 1974. Hired for the "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ) band its first season, Shaffer forged a solid reputation for himself as an innovative musician with an incomparable personal style - traits that he parlayed into a long-term gig as the band leader for talk show host David Letterman on both of the late night comedian's programs. The recipient of multiple awards and international honors, and a celebrated composer and comic actor, Paul Shaffer carved a niche for himself in American pop culture by realizing the impossible dream of getting paid to love music.
- Bill Wyman, born as William George Perks in Lewisham, England, is best known for his iconic role as the bass guitarist of the Rolling Stones, a band he was part of from 1962 until his departure in 1993. It was during this tenure that he established himself as a versatile musician, contributing to the band's dynamic sound and helping them achieve international acclaim. However, his musical journey started much earlier. At a tender age, he began playing piano and organ before venturing into bass guitar. The self-taught musician's style has been described as "driving, inimitable, and solid," setting the rhythm section's backbone for one of the world's most renowned rock bands. Wyman's contributions to the music industry extend beyond his time with the Rolling Stones. He embarked on a solo career parallelly during his time with the band, releasing his debut album Monkey Grip in 1974. His solo endeavors are marked by a distinct, more experimental approach to music, stepping away from pure rock 'n' roll to explore elements of blues, pop, and soul. This artistic exploration was personified in his 1982 UK Top 20 hit "(Si Si) Je Suis un Rock Star." In addition, Wyman formed the band Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in 1997, further cementing his standing in the world of music. Aside from his musical prowess, Wyman is a respected author, having written several books. These works range from personal memoirs such as Stone Alone and Rolling with the Stones, providing an inside look into the life and times of the Rolling Stones, to historical explorations like Blues: The British Connection. Wyman is also an avid photographer and his work has been showcased in galleries worldwide.
- Benny Goodman, born on May 30, 1909, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American jazz musician known for his exceptional talent as a clarinetist and bandleader. Goodman's musical journey began at a young age, with his first lessons taking place at the local synagogue. He later received training at the Hull House, where he was exposed to classical music. By the time he was 14 years old, Goodman was already playing professionally in various bands. His early exposure to different music genres greatly influenced his style, leading him to become one of the pioneers of swing music. Goodman's career took a significant turn in 1934 when he formed his own band, Benny Goodman and His Orchestra. The band gained fame with their weekly radio show Let's Dance, which introduced swing music to a wider audience. Goodman's orchestra was known for its energetic performances and innovative arrangements, often blending classical and jazz elements. This unique sound earned them the nickname "The King of Swing." Goodman's band was also notable for breaking racial barriers, as one of the first integrated jazz groups to gain widespread popularity. Throughout his career, Goodman made significant contributions to the music industry. He was known for his collaborations with other notable musicians, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Count Basie. His outstanding performances at venues like Carnegie Hall helped to elevate jazz music to a respected art form. Goodman's remarkable ability to blend different music styles, coupled with his commitment to racial integration in his band, has left a lasting legacy in the world of music. Despite his passing on June 13, 1986, Goodman's influence continues to be felt in contemporary jazz and swing music.
- Thomas Francis Dorsey Jr. (November 19, 1905 – November 26, 1956) was an American jazz trombonist, composer, conductor and bandleader of the big band era. He was known as the "Sentimental Gentleman of Swing" because of his smooth-toned trombone playing. His technical skill on the trombone gave him renown among other musicians. He was the younger brother of bandleader Jimmy Dorsey. After Dorsey broke with his brother in the mid-1930s, he led an extremely popular and highly successful band from the late 1930s into the 1950s. He is best remembered for standards such as "Opus One", "Song of India", "Marie", "On Treasure Island", and his biggest hit single, "I'll Never Smile Again".
- Rickie Lee Skaggs (born July 18, 1954), known professionally as Ricky Skaggs, is an American country and bluegrass singer, musician, producer, and composer. He primarily plays mandolin; however, he also plays fiddle, guitar, mandocaster and banjo. Skaggs was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
- Le Sony'r Ra (born Herman Poole Blount, May 22, 1914 – May 30, 1993), better known as Sun Ra, was an American jazz composer, bandleader, piano and synthesizer player, and poet known for his experimental music, "cosmic" philosophy, prolific output, and theatrical performances. For much of his career, Ra led "The Arkestra", an ensemble with an ever-changing name and flexible line-up. Born and raised in Alabama, Blount became involved in the Chicago jazz scene during the late 1940s. He soon abandoned his birth name, taking the name Le Sony'r Ra, shortened to Sun Ra (after Ra, the Egyptian God of the Sun). He developed a complex persona and an idiosyncratic, myth-based credo that would make him a pioneer of Afrofuturism. He claimed to be an alien from Saturn on a mission to preach peace, and throughout his life he publicly denied ties to his prior identity.His widely eclectic and avant-garde music echoed the entire history of jazz, from ragtime and early New Orleans hot jazz, to swing music, bebop, free jazz and fusion. His compositions ranged from keyboard solos to works for big bands of over 30 musicians, along with electronic excursions, songs, chants, percussion pieces, and anthems. From the mid-1950s until his death, Ra led the musical collective The Arkestra (which featured artists such as Marshall Allen, John Gilmore and June Tyson throughout its various iterations). Its performances often included dancers and musicians dressed in elaborate, futuristic costumes inspired by ancient Egyptian attire and the Space Age. (Following Ra's illness-forced retirement in 1992, the band remained active as The Sun Ra Arkestra, and, as of 2018, continues performing under the leadership of veteran Ra sideman Marshall Allen.)Though his mainstream success was limited, Sun Ra was a prolific recording artist and frequent live performer, and remained both influential and controversial throughout his life for his music and persona. He is now widely considered an innovator; among his distinctions are his pioneering work in free improvisation and modal jazz and his early use of electronic keyboards and synthesizers. Over the course of his career, he recorded dozens of singles and over one hundred full-length albums, comprising well over 1000 songs, making him one of the most prolific recording artists of the 20th century.
- Ben Folds, born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1966, is an American singer-songwriter and record producer widely known for his unique blend of rock melodies and piano pop. He began his journey in music early, starting his first band at the age of 10, which was a testament to his innate musical prowess. He later attended the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, albeit briefly, as he dropped out with just one credit left to complete his degree. In the mid-1990s, Folds gained significant popularity as the frontman and pianist of the alternative rock band "Ben Folds Five". The band quickly became a household name due to their unconventional, piano-driven sound and Folds's candid, often humorous lyrics. The band's single "Brick", from their 1997 album Whatever and Ever Amen, climbed to number six on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing their place in the annals of 90s rock music. Despite their success, the band surprisingly disbanded in 2000, marking the start of Folds' solo career. As a solo artist, Folds continued to captivate audiences with his distinct storytelling skill and musical versatility. His debut solo album Rockin' the Suburbs (2001) was met with critical acclaim, showcasing his ability to create emotive narratives through his music. Beyond his singing career, Folds also tried his hand at producing, working with artists such as William Shatner and Amanda Palmer. Interestingly, he returned to academia in 2016 when he was appointed as the first-ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. Throughout his career, Ben Folds has proven to be not only an accomplished musician with an engaging style, but also a multi-faceted artist dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his craft.
- Carlos Santana, a name that resonates throughout the world of music, is synonymous with the fusion of rock and Latin American jazz. Born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, Santana developed a love for music at an early age, thanks to his father, a musician who instilled in him an understanding and appreciation of the complexities of melody. Carlos picked up the violin at five years old and transitioned to the guitar at eight, a move that would set the stage for his illustrious career. Santana's musical journey took an exciting turn when he and his family moved to San Francisco in the early 1960s. During this time, he was exposed to a variety of music genres, all of which influenced his unique style. Santana formed the Santana Blues Band in 1966, which was later renamed simply Santana. The band's breakthrough performance at the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair propelled them into the national spotlight. Their debut album, released shortly after, reached the top 10 on U.S. charts, solidifying their place in music history. Over the course of his career, Santana has won numerous awards for his musical contributions. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, he's one of the best-selling artists of all time. His album Supernatural, released in 1999, is perhaps his most acclaimed work, winning nine Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Furthermore, Santana's influence extends beyond his music; in 1998, he established the Milagro Foundation, a charitable organization aimed at supporting underprivileged children worldwide in areas of health, education, and the arts.
- Artie Shaw (born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky; May 23, 1910 – December 30, 2004) was an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, and actor. Also an author, Shaw wrote both fiction and non-fiction. Widely regarded as "one of jazz's finest clarinetists", Shaw led one of the United States' most popular big bands in the late 1930s through the early 1940s. Though he had numerous hit records, he was perhaps best known for his 1938 recording of Cole Porter's "Begin the Beguine". Before the release of "Beguine", Shaw and his fledgling band had languished in relative obscurity for over two years and, after its release, he became a major pop artist within short order. The record eventually became one of the era's defining recordings. Musically restless, Shaw was also an early proponent of what became known much later as Third Stream music, which blended elements of classical and jazz forms and traditions. His music influenced other musicians, such as John Barry in England, with the vamp of the James Bond Theme, possibly influenced by 1938's "Nightmare". Shaw also recorded with small jazz groups drawn from within the ranks of the various big bands he led. He served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1944, (during which time he led a morale-building band that toured the South Pacific amidst the chaos of World War II) and, following his discharge in 1944, he returned to lead a band through 1945. Following the breakup of that band, he began to focus on other interests and gradually withdrew from the world of being a professional musician and major celebrity, although he remained a force in popular music and jazz before retiring from music completely in 1954.
- John Philip Sousa (; November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King" or the "American March King", to distinguish him from his British counterpart Kenneth J. Alford who is also known as "The March King". Among his best-known marches are "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (National March of the United States of America), "Semper Fidelis" (official march of the United States Marine Corps), "The Liberty Bell", "The Thunderer", and "The Washington Post". Sousa began his career playing violin and studying music theory and composition under John Esputa and George Felix Benkert. His father enlisted him in the United States Marine Band as an apprentice in 1868. He left the band in 1875 and learned to conduct. From 1880 until his death, he focused exclusively on conducting and writing music. He eventually rejoined the Marine Band and served there for 12 years as director, after which he organized his own band. Sousa aided in the development of the sousaphone, a large brass instrument similar to the helicon and tuba. Upon the outbreak of World War I, Sousa was awarded a wartime commission of lieutenant commander to lead the Naval Reserve Band in Illinois. He then returned to conduct the Sousa Band until his death in 1932. (In the 1920s, he was promoted to the permanent rank of lieutenant commander in the naval reserve, but he never saw active service again.)
- Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. (August 12, 1929 – March 25, 2006), professionally known as Buck Owens, was an American musician, singer, songwriter and band leader who had 21 No. 1 hits on the Billboard country music charts with his band the Buckaroos. They pioneered what came to be called the Bakersfield sound, named after Bakersfield, California, the city Owens called home and from which he drew inspiration for what he preferred to call American music.While Owens originally used fiddle and retained pedal steel guitar into the 1970s, his sound on records and onstage was always more stripped-down and elemental. His signature style was based on simple storylines, infectious choruses, a twangy electric guitar, an insistent rhythm supplied by a drum track placed forward in the mix, and high two-part harmonies featuring him and his guitarist Don Rich.From 1969 to 1986, Owens co-hosted the popular CBS television variety show Hee Haw with Roy Clark. According to his son, Buddy Allen (Owens), the accidental death of Rich, his best friend, in 1974 devastated him for years and halted his career until he performed with Dwight Yoakam in 1988. Owens is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
- Izear Luster "Ike" Turner Jr. (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, talent scout, and record producer. An early pioneer of fifties rock and roll, he is most popularly known for his work in the 1960s and 1970s with his then-wife Tina Turner in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Turner began playing piano and guitar when he was eight years of age. He formed a music group, the Kings of Rhythm, as a teenager. Turner employed the group as his backing band for the rest of his life. His first recording, "Rocket 88" (1951) (credited to "Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats"), is considered a contender for the distinction of "first rock and roll song." Relocating to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1954, he built the Kings into one of the most renowned acts on the local club circuit. There, he met singer Anna Mae Bullock, whom he renamed Tina Turner; the two formed the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, which over the course of the 1960s became a soul/rock crossover success. Turner recorded for many of the key R&B record labels of the 1950s and 1960s, including Chess, Modern, Trumpet, Flair and Sue. With the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, he graduated to larger labels Blue Thumb, Liberty and United Artists. Turner's cocaine addiction and legal troubles, together with accounts by Tina Turner of domestic violence inflicted by him (published in her autobiography I, Tina and the portrayal of him in its film adaptation What's Love Got to Do with It), impacted his career in the 1980s and 1990s. Addicted to cocaine and crack for at least 15 years, Turner was convicted of drug offenses, serving seventeen months in prison between July 1989 and 1991. He spent the rest of the 1990s free of his addiction, but relapsed in 2004. Near the end of his life, he returned to live performance as a front man and, returning to his blues roots, produced two albums that were critically well received and award-winning. Turner has frequently been referred to as a "great innovator" of rock and roll by contemporaries such as Little Richard and Johnny Otis. Phil Alexander, then editor-in-chief of Mojo magazine, described Turner as "the cornerstone of modern day rock 'n' roll". Throughout his career, Turner won four Grammy Awards, which include two competitive awards and two Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Tina Turner in 1991. In 2001, he was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame. He is also inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame, and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. In 2018, "Rocket 88" was one of the first songs inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Singles.
- John Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie (; October 21, 1917 – January 6, 1993) was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and singer.Gillespie was a trumpet virtuoso and improviser, building on the virtuoso style of Roy Eldridge but adding layers of harmonic and rhythmic complexity previously unheard in jazz. His combination of musicianship, showmanship, and wit made him a leading popularizer of the new music called bebop. His beret and horn-rimmed spectacles, his scat singing, his bent horn, pouched cheeks, and his light-hearted personality provided some of bebop's most prominent symbols.In the 1940s Gillespie, with Charlie Parker, became a major figure in the development of bebop and modern jazz.He taught and influenced many other musicians, including trumpeters Miles Davis, Jon Faddis, Fats Navarro, Clifford Brown, Arturo Sandoval, Lee Morgan, Chuck Mangione, and balladeer Johnny Hartman.Scott Yanow wrote, "Dizzy Gillespie's contributions to jazz were huge. One of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time, Gillespie was such a complex player that his contemporaries ended up being similar to those of Miles Davis and Fats Navarro instead, and it was not until Jon Faddis's emergence in the 1970s that Dizzy's style was successfully recreated [....] Arguably Gillespie is remembered, by both critics and fans alike, as one of the greatest jazz trumpeters of all time".
- Cecil Percival Taylor (March 25, 1929 – April 5, 2018) was an American pianist and poet.Taylor was classically trained and was one of the pioneers of free jazz. His music is characterized by an energetic, physical approach, resulting in complex improvisation often involving tone clusters and intricate polyrhythms. His technique has been compared to percussion. Referring to the number of keys on a standard piano, Val Wilmer used the phrase "eighty-eight tuned drums" to describe Taylor's style. He has been referred to as being "like Art Tatum with contemporary-classical leanings".
- Walt Levinsky was an American big band and orchestral player, composer, arranger and band leader. While many of his big band assignments were as lead alto sax player, his favorite instrument was the clarinet. Walt was known for his fine instrumental technique and his rich, round tone both on clarinet and sax.
- Cabell "Cab" Calloway III (December 25, 1907 – November 18, 1994) was an American jazz singer, dancer, and bandleader. He was associated with the Cotton Club in Harlem, New York City, where he was a regular performer. Calloway was a master of energetic scat singing and led one of the United States' most popular big bands from the start of the 1930s to the late 1940s. Calloway's band included trumpeters Dizzy Gillespie and Adolphus "Doc" Cheatham, saxophonists Ben Webster and Leon "Chu" Berry, New Orleans guitarist Danny Barker, and bassist Milt Hinton. Calloway had several hits in the 1930s–1940s, becoming known as the "Hi-de-ho" man of jazz for his most famous song, Minnie the Moocher, recorded in 1931. He also made a number of stage, film, and television appearances until his death in 1994 at the age of 86. He influenced later singers such as Michael Jackson and various hip-hop performers. Calloway is the first African American musician to sell a million records from a single song and to have a nationally syndicated radio show. He is in the Grammy Hall of Fame and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Alison Krauss, an American bluegrass-country singer and musician, has been a significant figure in the music industry since her debut album in 1985. Born on July 23, 1971, in Decatur, Illinois, Krauss discovered her love for music at a young age, learning to play the violin at just five years old. Her talent quickly shone through, and by the age of eight, she was participating in local talent contests. At fourteen, she won the Walnut Valley Festival Fiddle Championship, leading to her first record deal with Rounder Records. Krauss's career escalated rapidly from there with her band, Alison Krauss and Union Station. Her unique blend of bluegrass, country, and folk music, combined with her captivating soprano voice, led to widespread acclaim. She became a household name after her album Now That I've Found You: A Collection sold over two million copies, making it one of the best-selling bluegrass albums of all time. Throughout her career, Krauss has released over a dozen albums, with her work spanning solo projects, collaborations, and contributions as a producer. Recognized for her exceptional musical abilities, Krauss has earned numerous awards throughout her illustrious career. With over 27 Grammy Awards to her name, she holds the record for the most wins by a female artist and is tied for the third most wins by any artist. In addition to her Grammy accolades, she has also received several Country Music Association Awards and International Bluegrass Music Awards.
- Armando Anthony "Chick" Corea (June 12, 1941 – February 9, 2021) was an American jazz pianist/electric keyboardist and composer. His compositions "Spain", "500 Miles High", "La Fiesta" and "Windows", are considered jazz standards. As a member of Miles Davis's band in the late 1960s, he participated in the birth of jazz fusion. In the 1970s he formed the fusion band Return to Forever. With Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Keith Jarrett, he has been described as one of the major jazz piano voices to emerge in the post-John Coltrane era.Corea continued to pursue other collaborations and to explore musical styles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He was also known for promoting and fundraising for a number of social issues.
- A powerhouse in the world of jazz and big band music, Buddy Rich was hailed as one of the most influential and skilled drummers of all time. Born Bernard Rich in Brooklyn, New York, in 1917, his musical journey began at an early age with vaudeville performances, blossoming into a career that spanned over seven decades. Dubbed "Traps the Drum Wonder" as a child for his exceptional talent, he evolved beyond the persona to become a respected figure in the music industry. Rich's career trajectory was nothing short of impressive. At the tender age of 15, he started playing with notable jazz musicians, which led to collaborations with major orchestras, including those led by Artie Shaw and Tommy Dorsey. His virtuoso technique, combined with a flamboyant showmanship, brought a new flair to the art of drumming. Despite being self-taught, Rich's musicality was highly regarded, earning him accolades and cementing his place among the greats of jazz and big band music. However, Buddy Rich wasn't just a drummer; he was also a successful bandleader with several popular bands bearing his name. Throughout his career, he helmed various ensembles, thereby showcasing his versatility not only as a musician but as a leader too. He remained active in the music scene until his passing in 1987, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that continues to inspire future generations of drummers and musicians alike. His life and work serve as a testament to his dedication to his craft and his undying passion for music.
- Christopher Crosby Morris (born 1946) is an American author of fiction and non-fiction, as well as a lyricist, musical composer, and singer-songwriter. He is married to author Janet Morris. He is a defense policy and strategy analyst and a principal in M2 Technologies, Inc. He writes primarily as Chris Morris, a shortened form of his name, but occasionally uses pseudonyms.
- Esperanza Emily Spalding (born October 18, 1984) is an American jazz bassist and singer. Spalding was raised in Portland, Oregon, and was a musical prodigy, playing violin in the Chamber Music Society of Oregon at five years old. She was later both self-taught and -trained on a number of instruments, including guitar and bass. Her proficiency earned her scholarships to Portland State University and the Berklee College of Music. In 2017, she was appointed Professor of the Practice of Music at Harvard University.She has won four Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Award for Best New Artist at the 53rd Grammy Awards, making her the first jazz artist to win the award.
- One of the most decorated and respected composers of his generation, John Barry excelled at sweeping scores which added to the unique power of cinema, transporting viewers into the heart of the filmgoing experience. Rising to fame as an influential arranger and composer on the James Bond series, Barry composed 11 soundtracks, creating the soundscape of the Bond universe, which remained instantly recognizable for generations of filmgoers. He went on to achieve even greater cinematic immortality, creating the music and scores for such classics as "Born Free" (1966), "The Lion in Winter" (1968), "Midnight Cowboy" (1969) and "Somewhere in Time" (1980), but he was best remembered for his achingly romantic scores that helped turn "Out of Africa" (1985) and "Dances with Wolves" into such magical, evocative experiences. Over his 50-year career, Barry won a boatload of awards, including five Oscars, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, a Grammy and a Saturn Award, as well as a slew of nominations. Incredibly talented and well respected, Barry helped fuse the connection between modern moviemaking and music, and influenced generations of filmmakers and filmgoers who wept, laughed and loved to his inimitable musical landscapes. When he died in 2011, he had achieved a brilliant professional legacy as well as his own immortality through a life devoted to art and music.
- Eric Allan Dolphy, Jr. (June 20, 1928 – June 29, 1964) was an American jazz alto saxophonist, bass clarinetist and flautist. On a few occasions, he also played the clarinet and piccolo. Dolphy was one of several multi-instrumentalists to gain prominence around the time that he was active. His use of the bass clarinet helped to establish the instrument within jazz. Dolphy extended the vocabulary and boundaries of the alto saxophone, and was among the earliest significant jazz flute soloists. His improvisational style was characterized by the use of wide intervals, in addition to using an array of extended techniques to emulate the sounds of human voices and animals. Although Dolphy's work is sometimes classified as free jazz, his compositions and solos were often rooted in conventional (if highly abstracted) tonal bebop harmony and melodic lines that suggest the influences of modern classical composers such as Béla Bartók and Igor Stravinsky.
- Jerry Gray (July 3, 1915 – August 10, 1976) was an American violinist, arranger, composer, and leader of swing dance orchestras (big bands) bearing his name. He is widely known for his work with popular music during the Swing era. His name is inextricably linked to two of the most famous bandleaders of the time, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller. Gray, along with Bill Finegan, wrote many of Miller's arrangements during the late 1930s and early 1940s. In the latter part of Gray's career, his orchestra served as the house band at the Venetian Room of the Fairmont Hotel, Dallas.
- Xavier Cugat (Catalan: [ʃəβiˈe kuˈɣat]; 1 January 1900 – 27 October 1990) was a Cuban-Spanish and American musician and bandleader who spent his formative years in Havana, Cuba. A trained violinist and arranger, he was a leading figure in the spread of Latin music. In New York City he was the leader of the resident orchestra at the Waldorf–Astoria before and after World War II. He was also a cartoonist and a restaurateur. The personal papers of Xavier Cugat are preserved in the Biblioteca de Catalunya.
- Billy Preston, born in Houston, Texas, was an American musician. Known for his exuberant keyboarding style and soulful vocals, Preston's contribution to music transcended genres and generations. His journey began as a child prodigy playing piano and organ, leading him to share stages with some of the biggest names in the industry over the course of his career. Preston's talent was evident from an early age, becoming a part of the music scene when he was just 10 years old, performing with famous gospel artist Mahalia Jackson. His career trajectory took a sharp turn upwards when he was discovered by Little Richard at the age of 16, which led to international tours with the rock and roll legend. Later, he worked with the Beatle's, contributing significantly to the band's success. His keyboard work was pivotal in several top tracks, earning him the title of "the fifth Beatle" by fans and music critics alike. Aside from his collaborations, Preston was also an accomplished solo artist, scoring number one hits with lively tunes such as "Will It Go Round In Circles" and "Nothing From Nothing." He won a Grammy for his instrumental "Outa-Space" in 1973, solidifying his place in the annals of music history. His unique fusion of rock, soul, funk, and gospel helped pave the way for many musicians that followed. Billy Preston passed away in 2006 but his legacy continues to influence and inspire artists around the globe.
- Hoagland Howard "Hoagy" Carmichael (November 22, 1899 – December 27, 1981) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. American composer and author Alec Wilder described Carmichael as the "most talented, inventive, sophisticated and jazz-oriented of all the great craftsmen" of pop songs in the first half of the 20th century. Carmichael was one of the most successful Tin Pan Alley songwriters of the 1930s and was among the first singer-songwriters in the age of mass media to utilize new communication technologies, such as television and the use of electronic microphones and sound recordings. Carmichael composed several hundred songs, including 50 that achieved hit record status. He is best known for composing the music for "Stardust", "Georgia on My Mind" (lyrics by Stuart Gorrell), "The Nearness of You", and "Heart and Soul" (in collaboration with lyricist Frank Loesser), four of the most-recorded American songs of all time. He also collaborated with lyricist Johnny Mercer on "Lazybones" and "Skylark." Carmichael's "Ole Buttermilk Sky" was an Academy Award nominee in 1946, from Canyon Passage, in which he co-starred as a musician riding a mule. "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening," with lyrics by Mercer, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1951. Carmichael also appeared as a character actor and musical performer in 14 films, hosted three musical-variety radio programs, performed on television, and wrote two autobiographies.
- Leonard Joseph "Chico" Marx (March 22, 1887 – October 11, 1961) was an American comedian, musician, actor and film star. He was a member of the Marx Brothers (with Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, and Zeppo Marx). His persona in the act was that of a charming, uneducated but crafty con artist, seemingly of rural Italian origin, who wore shabby clothes and sported a curly-haired wig and Tyrolean hat. On screen, Chico is often in alliance with Harpo, usually as partners in crime, and is also frequently seen trying to con or outfox Groucho. Leonard was the oldest of the Marx Brothers to live past early childhood (first-born Manfred Marx had died in infancy). In addition to his work as a performer, he played an important role in the management and development of the act in its early years.
- Brian Jones, born as Lewis Brian Hopkin Jones on February 28, 1942, is best known as one of the founding members of the legendary rock band, the Rolling Stones. Born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, his passion for music was evident from an early age. With a flair for mastering various instruments, Jones ventured into the world of blues and rock, which led him to cross paths with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, marking the inception of what would become one of the most iconic rock bands in history. Jones's musical prowess played an instrumental role in shaping the Rolling Stones' initial sound. He was known for his versatility, proficiently playing several instruments including the guitar, harmonica, keyboards, and sitar. His unique style blended traditional rock with experimental sounds, contributing significantly to the diversity of the band's repertoire. However, by the late 1960s, personal issues and substance abuse began to affect his contributions to the band, leading to his departure in June 1969. In addition to his musical career, Jones was known for his complex personality and tumultuous personal life. Famed for his charismatic stage presence, he was simultaneously notorious for his volatile relationships and struggles with substance abuse. Despite these challenges, he remains a significant figure in rock history. Tragically, Jones's life was cut short at the age of 27 when he was found dead in his swimming pool, a case that sparked much speculation and controversy. His legacy continues to influence generations of musicians, underscoring his impact on the world of rock 'n' roll.
- William Henry "Chick" Webb (February 10, 1905 – June 16, 1939) was an American jazz and swing music drummer as well as a band leader.
- Albert Ayler (; July 13, 1936 – November 25, 1970) was an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer.After early experience playing R&B and bebop, Ayler began recording music during the free jazz era of the 1960s. However, some critics argue that while Ayler's style is undeniably original and unorthodox, it does not adhere to the generally accepted critical understanding of free jazz. In fact, Ayler's style is difficult to categorize in any way, and it evoked incredibly strong and disparate reactions from critics and fans alike. His innovations have inspired subsequent jazz musicians.His trio and quartet records of 1964, such as Spiritual Unity and The Hilversum Session, show him advancing the improvisational notions of John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman into abstract realms where whole timbre, and not just mainly harmony with melody, is the music's backbone. His ecstatic music of 1965 and 1966, such as "Spirits Rejoice" and "Truth Is Marching In", has been compared by critics to the sound of a brass band, and involved simple, march-like themes which alternated with wild group improvisations and were regarded as retrieving jazz's pre-Louis Armstrong roots.
- David Warren Brubeck (; December 6, 1920 – December 5, 2012) was an American jazz pianist and composer, considered one of the foremost exponents of cool jazz. Many of his compositions have become jazz standards including "In Your Own Sweet Way" and "The Duke". Brubeck's style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting both his mother's classical training and his own improvisational skills. His music is known for employing unusual time signatures as well as superimposing contrasting rhythms, meters, and tonalities. Brubeck experimented with time signatures throughout his career, recording "Pick Up Sticks" in 64, "Unsquare Dance" in 74, "World's Fair" in 134, and "Blue Rondo à la Turk" in 98. He was also a composer of orchestral and sacred music and wrote soundtracks for television, such as Mr. Broadway and the animated miniseries This Is America, Charlie Brown. Often incorrectly attributed to Brubeck, the song "Take Five", which has become a jazz standard, was composed by Brubeck's long-time musical partner, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. Appearing on one of the top-selling jazz albums, Time Out, and written in 54 time, "Take Five" has endured as a jazz classic associated with Brubeck.
- Antonio Rivas Padilla is a Colombian accordion player. He has gotten to know many of the great masters of the Vallenato's folklore such as Alejendro Duran; Abel Antonio Villa; Mariano Perez; Pablo Garcia; Emilianito Zuleta; Alfredo Gutierrez; Ismael Rudas; Pablo Lopez and many others.
- William Emanuel Cobham Jr. (born May 16, 1944) is a Panamanian-American jazz drummer who came to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s with trumpeter Miles Davis and then with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. According to AllMusic's reviewer, Cobham is "generally acclaimed as fusion's greatest drummer".He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Johnny Crawford began acting at the tender age of six. Crawford had an early acting career in film, appearing in such titles as "Village of the Giants" (1965) with Tommy Kirk, the John Wayne dramatic adaptation "El Dorado" (1966) and "The Naked Ape" (1973). He also appeared in "The Inbreaker" (1974). He worked in series television while getting his start in acting, including a part on "The Mickey Mouse Club" (ABC, 1955-59). Crawford was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor (Continuing Character) In a Primetime Emmy Award for "The Rifleman" in 1959. His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like the action picture "Dynamite Woman" (1976) with Claudia Jennings, the Peter Fonda action film "Outlaw Blues" (1977) and "Dreamer" (1978) with Tim Matheson. Crawford continued to exercise his talent in the nineties and the early 2000s, taking on a mix of projects like "The Thirteenth Floor" (1999), "Welcome to Collinwood" (2002) and "Hellboy" (2004) starring Ron Perlman. His credits also expanded to "Pioneers of Television" (PBS, 2007-2015). Crawford later worked on the dramatic adaptation "Philomena" (2013) with Judi Dench. Johnny Crawford died on April 29, 2021 at the age of 75, two years after disclosing that he had Alzheimer's Disease.
- The son of a jazz singer and a music professor born into a family of noted jazz musicians, Branford Marsalis grew up always around instruments, leading him to the Berklee College of Music in his late teens. Before he was done with school, he started touring with Art Blakey playing saxophone. That experience led to more work in the early 1980s with a legion of acclaimed jazz musicians including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie. In this time, he put out his first solo album, Scenes in the City, and was a part of a variety of other projects, with his high-profile work on Sting's debut solo album The Dream of the Blue Turtles making him nearly as well-known as his elder brother Wynton Marsalis. 1986 saw Marsalis' first Grammy nomination for his third album Royal Garden Blues. In 1990, Marsalis played live with the Grateful Dead in what became a legendary improvised performance. He was the bandleader for the first three years of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (NBC 1992-2014) before ceding the bandleader chair to guitarist Kevin Eubanks; the same year, he won his first Grammy award for I Heard You Twice the First Time. For a few years, he headed up the band Buckshot LeFonque, which combined jazz and rock for a unique sound. However, by the late '90s, Marsalis focused more on classically inspired works, eschewing rock accents for large symphonic orchestras. He was a regular nominee at the Grammys, earning two more wins over a span of two decades. In 2010, his work on the music for the revival of the play Fences earned him a Tony nomination.
- George Allen Russell (June 23, 1923 – July 27, 2009) was an American jazz pianist, composer, arranger and theorist. He is considered one of the first jazz musicians to contribute to general music theory with a theory of harmony based on jazz rather than European music, in his book Lydian Chromatic Concept of Tonal Organization (1953).
- Long before he had become the musician of choice to score Walter Hill films, as well as a frequent collaborator of German director Wim Wenders, Ry Cooder had established himself as a virtuoso of fretted instruments (i.e., banjo, Mexican tiple, Middle Eastern saz), backing the likes of Gordon Lightfoot, the Rolling Stones, Randy Newman and Neil Young. Particularly renowned for his blues-flavored slide guitar he allegedly inspired Duane Allman, resulting in the distinctive sound of the early Allman Brothers albums. As much a musicologist as a musician, with interests and expertise that run a wide gamut of musical history and genres, Cooder has sought out and championed such local styles as calypso, Hawaiian "slack-key" guitar (recording with Gabby Pahinui), Tex-Mex, gospel, country, jazz and the bedrock Cuban rhythm 'son', among others, in a diversified series of albums beginning with "Ry Cooder," his 1970 solo debut.
- Arthur "Art" Blakey (October 11, 1919 – October 16, 1990) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He was briefly known as Abdullah Ibn Buhaina after he became a Muslim in the late 1940s.Blakey made a name for himself in the 1940s in the big bands of Fletcher Henderson and Billy Eckstine. He worked with bebop musicians Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. In the mid-1950s Horace Silver and Blakey formed the Jazz Messengers, a group that the drummer was associated with for the next 35 years. The group was formed as a collective of contemporaries, but over the years the band became known as an incubator for young talent, including Freddie Hubbard, Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, and Wynton Marsalis. The Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz calls the Jazz Messengers "the archetypal hard bop group of the late 50s".Blakey was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame (in 1981), the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 1998 and 2001), and was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1991.
- Joseph Benjamin Wilder was an American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and composer. Wilder was awarded the Temple University Jazz Master's Hall of Fame Award in 2006. The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with its highest honor in jazz, the NEA Jazz Masters Award for 2008.
- Eugene Bertram Krupa (January 15, 1909 – October 16, 1973) was an American jazz drummer, band leader, actor, and composer known for his energetic style and showmanship. His drum solo on "Sing, Sing, Sing" (1937) elevated the role of the drummer from an accompanying line to an important solo voice in the band. In collaboration with the Slingerland drum and Zildjian cymbal manufacturers, he was a major force in defining the standard band drummer's kit. Krupa is considered "the founding father of the modern drumset" by Modern Drummer magazine.
- Muddy Waters, born as McKinley Morganfield on April 4, 1913, in Issaquena County, Mississippi, was an influential figure in the world of blues music. His journey began in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta, where he developed his love for music. Raised by his grandmother after losing both parents at a young age, Waters grew up listening to the local blues musicians that frequented the area's juke joints. He taught himself harmonica before moving onto the guitar, inspired by his idol, Son House. In the early 1940s, Waters's talent was recognized by musicologist Alan Lomax who recorded him for the Library of Congress. The encounter marked a turning point in Waters's life, inspiring him to pursue a professional career in music. In 1943, he migrated north to Chicago in search of better opportunities. There, he revolutionized the blues genre by incorporating electric guitar and creating the "Chicago Blues" sound. His powerful performances and innovative style attracted the attention of Chess Records, one of the leading blues record companies, which offered him a contract in 1947. Over the next two decades, Waters produced several hit records, including "I Can't Be Satisfied," "Rollin' Stone," and "Hoochie Coochie Man." Muddy Waters's influence extends far beyond his own prolific career. His electrifying performances and distinctive sound had a profound impact on many rock 'n' roll legends such as The Rolling Stones, who named themselves after his hit song, and Eric Clapton, who cited Waters as one of his greatest influences. Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges, Waters remained dedicated to his craft until his death on April 30, 1983. His legacy continues to resonate within the music industry, serving as a testament to his indomitable spirit and enduring contributions to the world of blues music.
- Alice Coltrane (née McLeod, August 27, 1937 – January 12, 2007), also known by her adopted Sanskrit name Turiyasangitananda or Turiya Alice Coltrane, was an American jazz musician and composer, and in her later years a swamini. One of the few harpists in the history of jazz, she recorded many albums as a bandleader, beginning in the late 1960s and early 1970s for Impulse! and other major record labels. She was the second wife and the widow of jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane.
- Michael Wolff may refer to: Michael Wolff (graphic designer) (born 1933), British graphic designer, co-founder of Wolff Olins Michael Wolff (journalist) (born 1953), American author, essayist, and journalist Michael Wolff (musician) (born 1952), American jazz musician Michael A. Wolff (born 1945), former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Dean of Saint Louis University School of Law
- James Dorsey (February 29, 1904 – June 12, 1957) was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and big band leader. He was known as "JD". He recorded and composed the jazz and pop standards "I'm Glad There Is You (In This World of Ordinary People)" and "It's The Dreamer In Me". His other major recordings were "Tailspin", "John Silver", "So Many Times", "Amapola", "Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)", "Pennies from Heaven" with Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Frances Langford, "Grand Central Getaway", and "So Rare". He played clarinet on the seminal jazz standards "Singin' the Blues" in 1927 and the original 1930 recording of "Georgia on My Mind", both inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16, 1913 – October 29, 1987) was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading various groups called "The Herd", Herman came to prominence in the late 1930s and was active until his death in 1987. His bands often played music that was cutting edge and experimental for its time; they received numerous Grammy nominations and awards.
- James Louis Johnson (January 22, 1924 – February 4, 2001) was an American jazz trombonist, composer and arranger. Johnson was one of the earliest trombonists to embrace bebop.
- Chris Speed (born Seattle, Washington, 1967) is an American saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer.
- Luigi Paulino Alfredo Francesco Antonio Balassoni (July 6, 1924 – February 14, 2009), known by the stage name Louie Bellson (his own preferred spelling, although he is often seen in sources as Louis Bellson), was an American jazz drummer. He was a composer, arranger, bandleader, and jazz educator, and is credited with pioneering the use of two bass drums.Bellson was an internationally acclaimed artist who performed in most of the major capitals around the world. Bellson and his wife, actress and singer Pearl Bailey (married from 1952 until Bailey's death in 1990), had the second highest number of appearances at the White House (only Bob Hope had more). Bellson was a vice president at Remo, a drum company. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1985.
- Sheldon Manne (June 11, 1920 – September 26, 1984), professionally known as Shelly Manne, was an American jazz drummer. Most frequently associated with West Coast jazz, he was known for his versatility and also played in a number of other styles, including Dixieland, swing, bebop, avant-garde jazz and fusion, as well as contributing to the musical background of hundreds of Hollywood films and television programs.
- Brian Blade (born July 25, 1970) is an American jazz drummer, composer, session musician, and singer-songwriter.
- Chick Corea Elektric Band is a jazz fusion band, led by pianist Chick Corea. Following the demise of Return to Forever, Corea established the musical ensemble in 1986. Following a long hiatus, the band reunited to produce To the Stars in 2004. The band's debut album can be described as "jazz-rock", though it is much closer to traditional jazz than the jazz-rock albums of the 1970s. The keyboard sounds on the album are typical for the mid-1980s. The drums played by Dave Weckl dominate the album's sound, with the guitar duties split between Scott Henderson and Carlos Rios. The second album, Light Years (1987) is more funk-oriented than its predecessor. Saxophonist Eric Marienthal joins the band and Frank Gambale replaces Henderson and Rios (who still plays on some tracks) to form what is considered the band's definitive lineup. The third album, Eye of the Beholder, relies on softer sounds. Here Corea relies on acoustic piano, with synthesizers largely in the background. Gambale also plays acoustic guitar on some tracks, lending a Flamenco-influenced sound to pieces like "Eternal Child." The Elektric Band's fourth album, Inside Out (1990), features some compositions that fall in the post-bop rather than the fusion category. The four-part piece "Tale of Daring", which closes the album, relies on unconventional melodies and relatively free improvisation. But two other compositions, the title track and "Kicker," are more traditional fusion pieces. Corea still uses mostly acoustic piano, but Gambale plays electric guitar throughout. The last album featuring the band's traditional lineup was Beneath the Mask (1991), a return to the electric jazz-funk of the second album. For the next album, Elektric Band II: Paint the World (1993), only Corea and Marienthal returned from the original lineup. Gary Novak became the new drummer, Jimmy Earl took the bass, and Mike Miller played guitar. The album's style can be described as modern jazz, crossing between post-bop and fusion. In 1996, the band teamed up with Steve Vai's Monsters to record a version of "Rumble" from West Side Story for the RCA Victor tribute album called The Songs of West Side Story. The original members reunited in 2004 for To the Stars (2004), which is stylistically close to the avant-garde and post-bop on Inside Out. After the final studio album the band has toured also with Victor Wooten who has replaced Patitucci, who returned to the band in the middle of 2016.
- Elmore James (January 27, 1918 – May 24, 1963) was an American blues guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader. He was known as "King of the Slide Guitar" and was noted for his use of loud amplification and his stirring voice. Elmore James was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as an "Early Influence" inductee.
- Elvin Ray Jones (September 9, 1927 – May 18, 2004) was an American jazz drummer of the post-bop era. He showed an interest in drums at a young age, watching the circus bands march by his family's home in Pontiac, Michigan. He served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1949 and subsequently played in a Detroit house band led by Billy Mitchell. He moved to New York City in 1955 and worked as a sideman for Charles Mingus, Teddy Charles, Bud Powell and Miles Davis.From 1960 to 1966 he was a member of the John Coltrane quartet (along with Jimmy Garrison on bass and McCoy Tyner on piano), a celebrated recording phase, appearing on such albums as A Love Supreme. Following his work with Coltrane, Jones led several small groups, some under the name The Elvin Jones Jazz Machine. His brothers Hank Jones and Thad Jones were also jazz musicians with whom he recorded. He was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1995.
- Ferdinand Joseph LaMothe (October 20, 1890 – July 10, 1941), known professionally as Jelly Roll Morton, was an American ragtime and early jazz pianist, bandleader and composer who started his career in New Orleans, Louisiana. Widely recognized as a pivotal figure in early jazz, Morton was jazz's first arranger, proving that a genre rooted in improvisation could retain its essential spirit and characteristics when notated. His composition "Jelly Roll Blues", published in 1915, was the first published jazz composition. Morton also wrote the standards "King Porter Stomp", "Wolverine Blues", "Black Bottom Stomp", and "I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say", the last a tribute to New Orleans musicians from the turn of the 20th century. Morton's claim to have invented jazz in 1902 aroused resentment. The jazz historian, musician, and composer Gunther Schuller says of Morton's "hyperbolic assertions" that there is "no proof to the contrary" and that Morton's "considerable accomplishments in themselves provide reasonable substantiation". Alan Lomax, who recorded extensive biographical interviews of Morton at the Library of Congress in 1938, did not agree that Morton was an egotist: In being called a supreme egotist, Jelly Roll was often a victim of loose and lurid reporting. If we read the words that he himself wrote, we learn that he almost had an inferiority complex and said that he created his own style of jazz piano because "All my fellow musicians were much faster in manipulations, I thought than I, and I did not feel as though I was in their class." So he used a slower tempo to permit flexibility through the use of more notes, a pinch of Spanish to give a number of right seasoning, the avoidance of playing triple forte continuously, and many other points". --Quoted in John Szwed, Dr Jazz.
- Joshua Redman (born February 1, 1969) is an American jazz saxophonist and composer. In 1991, he won the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition.
- Foreststorn "Chico" Hamilton, (September 20, 1921 – November 25, 2013) was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. He came to prominence as sideman for Lester Young, Gerry Mulligan, Count Basie, and Lena Horne. Hamilton became a bandleader, first with a quintet featuring the cello as a lead instrument, an unusual choice for a jazz band in the 1950s, and subsequently leading bands that performed cool jazz, post bop, and jazz fusion.
- Memphis Slim (September 3, 1915 – February 24, 1988) was an American blues pianist, singer, and composer. He led a series of bands that, reflecting the popular appeal of jump blues, included saxophones, bass, drums, and piano. A song he first cut in 1947, "Every Day I Have the Blues", has become a blues standard, recorded by many other artists. He made over 500 recordings.
- William Henry "Bill" Hughes is an American jazz trombonist and bandleader. He has spent most of his career with the Count Basie Orchestra and was the director of that ensemble until September 2010.
- Johnny Otis (born Ioannis Alexandres Veliotes; December 28, 1921 – January 17, 2012) was an American singer, musician, composer, arranger, bandleader, talent scout, disc jockey, record producer, television show host, artist, author, journalist, minister, and impresario. He was a seminal influence on American R&B and rock and roll. He discovered numerous artists early in their careers who went on to become highly successful in their own right, including Little Esther Phillips, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Johnny Ace, Jackie Wilson, Little Willie John, Hank Ballard, and The Robins (who eventually changed their name to The Coasters), among many others. Otis has been called the original "King of Rock and Roll" and the "Godfather of Rhythm and Blues".
- Roy Owen Haynes (born March 13, 1925) is an American jazz drummer and group leader. Haynes is among the most recorded drummers in jazz, and in a career lasting over 70 years has played in a wide range of styles ranging from swing and bebop to jazz fusion and avant-garde jazz. He has a highly expressive, personal style ("Snap Crackle" was a nickname given him in the 1950s). He has also led his own groups, some performing under the name Hip Ensemble. His recordings as a leader, Fountain of Youth and Whereas, were nominated for a Grammy Award. He continues to perform worldwide and was inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 1999. His son Graham Haynes is a cornetist; his son Craig Haynes and grandson Marcus Gilmore are both drummers.
- Max Weinberg (born April 13, 1951) is an American drummer and television personality, most widely known as the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and as the bandleader for Conan O'Brien on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien. He is the father of Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg. Weinberg grew up in suburban New Jersey and began drumming at an early age. He attended college planning to be a lawyer but got his big break in music in 1974 when he won an audition to become the drummer for Springsteen. Weinberg became a mainstay of Springsteen's long concert performances. Springsteen dissolved the band in 1989, and Weinberg spent several years considering a law career and trying the business end of the music industry before deciding he wanted to continue with drumming. In 1993, Weinberg got the role as bandleader of The Max Weinberg 7 for Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Weinberg's drums-driven jump blues sound and his role as a comic foil prospered along with the show, giving him a second career. In 1999, Springsteen re-formed the E Street Band for a series of tours and albums; Weinberg worked out an arrangement that allowed him to play with both O'Brien and Springsteen. In 2009, Weinberg moved to the short-lived Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien as leader of Max Weinberg and The Tonight Show Band. After that ended, he began touring with his own ensembles, and in 2010 chose not to follow O'Brien to the new Conan show. Weinberg continued playing with Springsteen, and in 2014 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the E Street Band.
- Roy Bunny Milton (July 31, 1907 – September 18, 1983) was an American R&B and jump blues singer, drummer and bandleader.
- Melvin Sokoloff (May 10, 1929 – February 2, 1990), known professionally as Mel Lewis, was an American jazz drummer, session musician, professor, and author. He received fourteen Grammy Award nominations.
- Charles Edward Haden (August 6, 1937 – July 11, 2014) was an American jazz double bass player, bandleader, composer and educator whose career spanned more than fifty years. In the late 1950s, Haden was an original member of the ground-breaking Ornette Coleman Quartet. Haden revolutionized the harmonic concept of bass playing in jazz. German musicologist Joachim-Ernst Berendt wrote that Haden's "ability to create serendipitous harmonies by improvising melodic responses to Coleman's free-form solos (rather than sticking to predetermined harmonies) was both radical and mesmerizing. His virtuosity lies…in an incredible ability to make the double bass 'sound out'. Haden cultivated the instrument's gravity as no one else in jazz. He is a master of simplicity which is one of the most difficult things to achieve." ) Haden played a vital role in this revolutionary new approach, evolving a way of playing that sometimes complemented the soloist and sometimes moved independently. In this respect, as did his predecessor bassists Jimmy Blanton and Charles Mingus, Haden helped liberate the bassist from a strictly accompanying role to becoming a more direct participant in group improvisation. In 1969, he formed his first band, the Liberation Music Orchestra, featuring arrangements by pianist Carla Bley. In the late 1960s, he became a member of pianist Keith Jarrett's trio, quartet and quintet. In the 1980s, he formed his band, Quartet West. Haden also often recorded and performed in a duo setting, with musicians including guitarist Pat Metheny and pianist Hank Jones.
- Anthony Braxton (born June 4, 1945) is an American composer and multi-instrumentalist who is known in the genre of free jazz.Since the 1960s, he has released more than 100 albums. He plays many types of saxophone (soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, bass, contrabass, sopranino, C-melody, mezzo-soprano) and clarinet (E-flat, B-flat, contrabass), in addition to flute, alto flute, and piano. Braxton studied philosophy at Roosevelt University. He taught at Mills College in the 1980s, and was Professor of Music at Wesleyan University from the 1990s until his retirement at the end of 2013. He taught music composition and music history, with a concentration on the avant-garde, as well as leading ensembles in performances of his compositions. In 1994, he was given a genius grant by the MacArthur Foundation. In 2013, he was named a 2014 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.
- James Last (German pronunciation: [tʃeɪms last,[1] dʃeɪms lɑːst]; born Hans Last; 17 April 1929 – 9 June 2015), also known as Hansi, was a German composer and big band leader of the James Last Orchestra. Initially a jazz bassist (Last won the award for "best bassist" in Germany in each of the years 1950–1952), his trademark "happy music" made his numerous albums best-sellers in Germany and the United Kingdom, with 65 of his albums reaching the charts in the UK alone. His composition "Happy Heart" became an international success in interpretations by Andy Williams and Petula Clark. Last is reported to have sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide in his lifetime (figures vary widely, for example British Hit Singles & Albums (2006) reports 100 million at that time), of which 80 million were sold by 1973 - and won numerous awards including 200 gold and 14 platinum discs in Germany, the International MIDEM Prize at MIDEM in 1969, and West Germany's highest civilian award, the Bundesverdienstkreuz (Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany) in 1978. His album This Is James Last remained a UK best-seller for 48 weeks, and his song "Games That Lovers Play" has been covered over a hundred times. Last undertook his final tour months before his death at age 86, upon discovering in September 2014 that an illness (the exact illness was never disclosed) had worsened. His final UK performance was his 90th at London's Royal Albert Hall, more than any other performer except Eric Clapton.Last's trademark sound employed big band arrangements of well-known tunes with a jaunty dance beat, often heavy on bass and brass. Despite at times being derided by critics and purists as the "king of elevator music" or "acoustic porridge", his style and music were popular in numerous countries and cultures, including Japan, the former Soviet Union, the USA and UK, and his native Germany, where it became "the archetypal soundtrack of any German cellar bar party", and made him the "most commercially successful bandleader" of the second half of the 20th century.
- Paul Samuel Whiteman (March 28, 1890 – December 29, 1967) was an American bandleader, composer, orchestral director, and violist.As the leader of one of the most popular dance bands in the United States during the 1920s and early 1930s, Whiteman produced recordings that were immensely successful, and press notices often referred to him as the "King of Jazz". Some of his most popular recordings included "Whispering", "Valencia", "Three O'Clock In The Morning", "In A Little Spanish Town", "C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T-I-N-O-P-L-E" and "Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers". Paul Whiteman led a usually large ensemble and explored many styles of music, such as blending symphonic music and jazz, as in his debut of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin.Whiteman recorded many jazz and pop standards during his career, including "Wang Wang Blues", "Mississippi Mud", "Rhapsody in Blue", "Wonderful One", "Hot Lips (He's Got Hot Lips When He Plays Jazz)", "Mississippi Suite", "Grand Canyon Suite", and "Trav'lin' Light". He co-wrote the 1925 jazz classic "Flamin' Mamie". His popularity faded in the swing music era of the mid-1930s, and by the 1940s he was semi-retired from music. He experienced a revival and had a comeback in the 1950s with his own network television series, Paul Whiteman's Goodyear Revue, which ran for three seasons. He also hosted the 1954 ABC talent contest show On the Boardwalk with Paul Whiteman. Whiteman's place in the history of early jazz is somewhat controversial. Detractors suggest that his ornately orchestrated music was jazz in name only, lacking the genre's improvisational and emotional depth, and co-opted the innovations of black musicians. Defenders note that Whiteman's fondness for jazz was genuine. He worked with black musicians as much as was feasible during an era of racial segregation. His bands included many of the era's most esteemed white musicians, and his groups handled jazz admirably as part of a larger repertoire.Critic Scott Yanow declares that Whiteman's orchestra "did play very good jazz...His superior dance band used some of the most technically skilled musicians of the era in a versatile show that included everything from pop tunes and waltzes to semi-classical works and jazz. [...] Many of his recordings (particularly those with Beiderbecke) have been reissued numerous times and are more rewarding than his detractors would lead one to believe."In his autobiography, Duke Ellington declared, "Paul Whiteman was known as the King of Jazz, and no one as yet has come near carrying that title with more certainty and dignity.
- Thelonious Sphere "T. S." Monk III (born December 27, 1949) is an American jazz drummer, composer and bandleader. He is the son of jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.
- Bennett Lester Carter (August 8, 1907 – July 12, 2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, trumpeter, composer, arranger, and bandleader. With Johnny Hodges, he was a pioneer on the alto saxophone. From the beginning of his career in the 1920s he was a popular arranger, having written charts for Fletcher Henderson's big band that shaped the swing style. He had an unusually long career that lasted into the 1990s. During the 1980s and '90s, he was nominated for eight Grammy Awards, which included receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Alex or Aleck Miller (né Ford, possibly December 5, 1912 – May 24, 1965), known later in his career as Sonny Boy Williamson, was an American blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter. He was an early and influential blues harp stylist who recorded successfully in the 1950s and 1960s. Miller used various names, including Rice Miller and Little Boy Blue, before calling himself Sonny Boy Williamson, which was also the name of a popular Chicago blues singer and harmonica player. To distinguish the two, Miller has been referred to as Sonny Boy Williamson II. He first recorded with Elmore James on "Dust My Broom". Some of his popular songs include "Don't Start Me Talkin'", "Help Me", "Checkin' Up on My Baby", and "Bring It On Home". He toured Europe with the American Folk Blues Festival and recorded with English rock musicians, including the Yardbirds, the Animals, and Jimmy Page. "Help Me" became a blues standard, and many blues and rock artists have recorded his songs.
- Donald Christopher Barber OBE (born 17 April 1930) is an English jazz musician, best known as a bandleader and trombonist. As well as scoring a UK top twenty trad jazz hit, he helped the careers of many musicians, notably the blues singer Ottilie Patterson, who was at one time his wife, and Lonnie Donegan, whose appearances with Barber triggered the skiffle craze of the mid-1950s and who had his first transatlantic hit, "Rock Island Line", while with Chris Barber's band. His providing an audience for Donegan and, later, Alexis Korner makes Barber a significant figure in the British rhythm and blues and "beat boom" of the 1960s.
- Don Gabriel Pullen (December 25, 1941 – April 22, 1995) was an American jazz pianist and organist. Pullen developed a strikingly individual style throughout his career. He composed pieces ranging from blues to bebop and modern jazz. The great variety of his body of work makes it difficult to pigeonhole his musical style.
Roger Wolfe Kahn
Roger Wolfe Kahn (October 19, 1907 – July 12, 1962) was an American jazz and popular musician, composer, bandleader (Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra) and an aviator.- Walter Theodore "Sonny" Rollins (born September 7, 1930) is an American jazz tenor saxophonist who is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential jazz musicians. In a seven-decade career, he has recorded over sixty albums as a leader. A number of his compositions, including "St. Thomas", "Oleo", "Doxy", "Pent-Up House", and "Airegin", have become jazz standards. Rollins has been called "the greatest living improviser" and the "Saxophone Colossus".
- George Lawrence Thorogood (born February 24, 1950) is an American musician, singer and songwriter from Wilmington, Delaware. His "high-energy boogie-blues" sound became a staple of 1980s rock radio, with hits like his original songs "Bad to the Bone" and "I Drink Alone". He has also helped to popularize older songs by American icons, such as "Move It on Over", "Who Do You Love?", and "House Rent Boogie/One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer".With his band, the Delaware Destroyers, Thorogood has released over 20 albums, of which two have been certified Platinum and six have been certified Gold. He has sold 15 million albums worldwide. Thorogood and band continue to tour extensively and in 2014, celebrated their 40th anniversary of performing.
- Leonard White III (born December 19, 1949) is a three-time Grammy Award-winning American jazz fusion drummer, born in New York City, best known for being the drummer of Chick Corea's Return to Forever. A resident of Teaneck, New Jersey, White has been described as "one of the founding fathers of jazz fusion".
- George Robert Crosby (August 23, 1913 – March 9, 1993) was an American jazz singer and bandleader, best known for his group the Bob-Cats, which formed around 1935. The Bob-Cats was a New Orleans Dixieland-style jazz octet. He was the younger brother of famed singer and actor Bing Crosby. On TV, Bob Crosby guest-starred in The Gisele MacKenzie Show and was also seen on The Jack Benny Program. Crosby hosted his own afternoon TV variety show on CBS, The Bob Crosby Show, which aired from 1953 to 1957. Crosby received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 8, 1960, for television (at 6252 Hollywood Boulevard) and radio (at 6313 Hollywood Boulevard).
- Weldon Leo "Jack" Teagarden (August 20, 1905 – January 15, 1964) was a jazz trombonist and singer. According to critic Scott Yannow of Allmusic, Teagarden was the preeminent American jazz trombone player before the bebop era of the 1940s and "one of the best jazz singers too". Teagarden's early career was as a sideman with the likes of Tommy Dorsey, Paul Whiteman and lifelong friend Louis Armstrong before branching out as a bandleader in 1939 and specializing in New Orleans Jazz-style jazz until his death.
- Julian Miles "Jools" Holland, OBE, DL (born 24 January 1958) is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer and television presenter. He was an original member of the band Squeeze and his work has involved him with many artists including Sting, Eric Clapton, Mark Knopfler, George Harrison, David Gilmour, Magazine, The The and Bono. Since 1992, he has hosted Later... with Jools Holland, a music-based show aired on BBC2, on which his annual show Hootenanny is based. Holland is a published author and appears on television shows besides his own and contributes to radio shows. In 2004, he collaborated with Tom Jones on an album of traditional R&B music. Holland also regularly hosts the weekly programme Jools Holland on BBC Radio 2, which is a mix of live and recorded music and general chat and features studio guests, along with members of his orchestra.
- Paul Julien André Mauriat (French: [pɔl mɔʁja] or [moʁja]; 4 March 1925 – 3 November 2006) was a French orchestra leader, conductor of Le Grand Orchestre de Paul Mauriat, who specialized in the easy listening genre. He is best known in the United States for his million-selling remake of André Popp's "Love is Blue", which was #1 for 5 weeks in 1968. Other recordings for which he is known include "El Bimbo", "Toccata", "Love in Every Room/Même si tu revenais", and "Penelope".
- Alvin McBurney (July 1, 1908 – February 24, 2004), known by his stage name Alvino Rey, was an American jazz guitarist and bandleader.
- Wong Ka Kui (10 June 1962 – 30 June 1993) was a Hong Kong musician, singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, main songwriter, and co-founder of the rock band Beyond in a large majority of Asian countries. He wrote a lot of hit songs, including "Like You" (喜歡你) (1988), "Truly Love You" (真的愛你) (1989), "Glorious Years" (光輝歲月) (1990), "Amani" (1991), and "Boundless Oceans, Vast Skies" (海闊天空) (1993).During the rehearsal of a game show for Fuji Television in Tokyo, Japan on 24 June 1993, Wong fell, head first, from a three-metre platform, and died six days later from traumatic head injuries.
- Ravi Coltrane (born August 6, 1965) is an American jazz saxophonist. Co-owner of the record label RKM Music, he has produced pianist Luis Perdomo, guitarist David Gilmore, and trumpeter Ralph Alessi.
- James Columbus "Jay" McShann (January 12, 1916 – December 7, 2006) was a jazz pianist and bandleader. He led bands in Kansas City, Missouri, that included Charlie Parker, Bernard Anderson, Ben Webster, and Walter Brown.
- Annunzio Paolo Mantovani (Italian pronunciation: [anˈnuntsjo ˈpaːolo mantoˈvaːni]) (15 November 1905 – 29 March 1980), known mononymously as Mantovani, was an Anglo-Italian conductor, composer and light orchestra-styled entertainer with a cascading strings musical signature. The book British Hit Singles & Albums states that he was "Britain's most successful album act before the Beatles...the first act to sell over one million stereo albums and [have] six albums simultaneously in the US Top 30 in 1959".
- Mary Lou Williams (born Mary Elfrieda Scruggs; May 8, 1910 – May 28, 1981) was an American jazz pianist, arranger, and composer. She wrote hundreds of compositions and arrangements and recorded more than one hundred records (in 78, 45, and LP versions). Williams wrote and arranged for Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman, and she was friend, mentor, and teacher to Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron, Bud Powell, and Dizzy Gillespie.
- Alfred McCoy Tyner (December 11, 1938 – March 6, 2020) was a jazz pianist from Philadelphia known for his work with the John Coltrane Quartet and a long solo career.
- Lloyd Price (March 9, 1933 – May 3, 2021) was an American R&B vocalist, known as "Mr. Personality", after his 1959 million-selling hit, "Personality." His first recording, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy," was a hit for Specialty Records in 1952. He continued to release records, but none were as popular until several years later, when he refined the New Orleans beat and achieved a series of national hits. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.
- Frederick Alfred Martin (December 9, 1906 – September 30, 1983) was an American bandleader and tenor saxophonist.
- Abdullah Ibrahim (born Adolph Johannes Brand on 9 October 1934 and formerly known as Dollar Brand) is a South African pianist and composer. His music reflects many of the musical influences of his childhood in the multicultural port areas of Cape Town, ranging from traditional African songs to the gospel of the AME Church and ragas, to more modern jazz and other Western styles. Ibrahim is considered the leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz. Within jazz, his music particularly reflects the influence of Thelonious Monk and Duke Ellington. He is known especially for "Mannenberg", a jazz piece that became a notable anti-apartheid anthem.During the apartheid era in the 1960s Ibrahim moved to New York City and, apart from a brief return to South Africa in the 1970s, remained in exile until the early '90s. Over the decades he has toured the world extensively, appearing at major venues either as a solo artist or playing with other renowned musicians, including Max Roach, Carlos Ward and Randy Weston, as well as collaborating with classical orchestras in Europe. With his wife, the jazz singer Sathima Bea Benjamin, he is father to the New York underground rapper Jean Grae, as well as to a son, Tsakwe.
- Acclaimed as one of the foremost contemporary jazz trumpeters, Terence Blanchard has developed a secondary career scoring features, many of them directed by Spike Lee.
- Over the duration of his Hollywood career, Marcus Miller produced music for multiple Hollywood productions. Miller began his entertainment career with his music featured in films like the Genevieve Bujold dramatic comedy "Choose Me" (1984), the Ellen Barkin drama "Siesta" (1987) and the Laurence Fishburne musical comedy "School Daze" (1988). His music also appeared in "Frantic" (1988) with Harrison Ford, the comedic fantasy "Scrooged" (1988) with Bill Murray and the comedy "House Party" (1990) with Christopher "Kid" Reid. Miller was nominated for an Outstanding Achievement In Music Direction Primetime Emmy Award for "Michelob Presents Sunday Night" in 1989. In the nineties, Miller's music continued to appear on the silver screen, including in films like the comedy "Love Jones" (1997) with Larenz Tate, the Marlon Wayans comedic sports movie "The Sixth Man" (1997) and the Mel Gibson hit action picture "Lethal Weapon 4" (1998). Miller's music was also featured in the comedy "Head of State" (2003) with Chris Rock, the romantic comedy "Breakin' All the Rules" (2004) with Jamie Foxx and "Guess Who" (2005) with Bernie Mac. His music was also featured in "King's Ransom" (2005) with Donald Faison and the comedy "I Think I Love My Wife" (2007) with Chris Rock. Miller most recently edited "Battlebots" (ABC, 2014-15).
- Frederick Dewayne Hubbard (April 7, 1938 – December 29, 2008) was an American jazz trumpeter. He was known primarily for playing in the bebop, hard bop, and post-bop styles from the early 1960s onwards. His unmistakable and influential tone contributed to new perspectives for modern jazz and bebop.
- Henry MacLeod Robertson (19 November 1932 – 17 January 1996), often credited as Harry Robinson, was a musician, bandleader, music director and composer. He worked as a musical director on British television shows in the 1950s and 1960s, and also arranged for theatre shows and films, notably those of the Hammer production company.
- Irvin Mayfield Jr. (born December 23, 1977) is an American trumpeter, composer, bandleader and educator.
- Samuel Carthorne Rivers (September 25, 1923 – December 26, 2011) was an American jazz musician and composer. He performed on soprano and tenor saxophones, bass clarinet, flute, harmonica and piano. Active in jazz since the early 1950s, he earned wider attention during the mid-1960s spread of free jazz. With a thorough command of music theory, orchestration and composition, Rivers was an influential and prominent artist in jazz music.
- Henry Jones Jr. (July 31, 1918 – May 16, 2010), best known as Hank Jones, was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, arranger, and composer. Critics and musicians described Jones as eloquent, lyrical, and impeccable. In 1989, The National Endowment for the Arts honored him with the NEA Jazz Masters Award. He was also honored in 2003 with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) Jazz Living Legend Award. In 2008, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts. On April 13, 2009, the University of Hartford presented Jones with an honorary Doctorate of Music for his musical accomplishments.Jones recorded more than 60 albums under his own name, and countless others as a sideman, including Cannonball Adderley's celebrated album Somethin' Else. On May 19, 1962, he played piano as actress Marilyn Monroe sang her famous "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" song to then U.S. president John F. Kennedy.
- Hugh Ramapolo Masekela (4 April 1939 – 23 January 2018) was a South African trumpeter, flugelhornist, cornetist, singer and composer who has been described as "the father of South African jazz". Masekela was known for his jazz compositions and for writing well-known anti-apartheid songs such as "Soweto Blues" and "Bring Him Back Home". He also had a number-one US pop hit in 1968 with his version of "Grazing in the Grass".
- Stanley Newcomb Kenton (December 15, 1911 – August 25, 1979) was an American popular music and jazz artist. As a pianist, composer, arranger and band leader he led an innovative and influential jazz orchestra for almost four decades. Though Kenton had several pop hits from the early 1940s into the 1960s, his music was always forward looking. Kenton was also a pioneer in the field of jazz education, creating the Stan Kenton Jazz Camp in 1959 at Indiana University.
- Rodney Whitaker (born February 22, 1968) is an American jazz double bass player and educator.
