Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

February 20, 1944 in Brooklyn, NY

Death

:

March 8, 2015 in New York City, NY

 

Lew Soloff was a renowned American jazz trumpeter and composer, known for his virtuosic playing style and versatility across various genres of music. Born on February 20, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, Soloff grew up in a musical family and began playing the trumpet at a young age. He was inspired by the jazz greats of the time, including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Clifford Brown, and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Soloff's early musical education was primarily focused on classical music, and he attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where he studied under the renowned trumpet teacher James Stamp. However, he soon became interested in jazz and began playing in local clubs and jam sessions. In 1966, he joined the jazz-rock fusion band Blood, Sweat & Tears, which had just formed and was quickly gaining popularity. Soloff's tenure with Blood, Sweat & Tears was a major highlight of his career, and he played on some of the band's most iconic recordings, including their self-titled album and the hit single "Spinning Wheel." He also contributed to the band's innovative blend of jazz, rock, and pop, which helped to define the sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s. After leaving Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1973, Soloff continued to work as a freelance musician, collaborating with a wide range of artists and bands. He played with jazz legends such as Gil Evans, Maynard Ferguson, and Machito, as well as rock and pop acts like Paul Simon, Frank Sinatra, and Lou Reed. He also released several solo albums, including "Yesterdays" and "With a Song in My Heart," which showcased his lyrical and expressive playing style. Throughout his career, Soloff was recognized for his exceptional talent and contributions to the world of music. He received numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award for his work on the Gil Evans album "Live at Sweet Basil" in 1985. He was also inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, in recognition of his achievements as a competitive handball player. In addition to his work as a performer, Soloff was also a respected educator and mentor to young musicians. He taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School, and was a frequent guest lecturer and clinician at universities and music schools around the world. He was known for his generosity and willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others, and was beloved by his students and colleagues alike. Sadly, Lew Soloff passed away on March 8, 2015, at the age of 71. His death was a great loss to the music world, but his legacy lives on through his recordings, performances, and the countless musicians he inspired and influenced over the course of his career. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest trumpet players of his generation, and a true master of his craft.

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