Ken Wild was a renowned classical music artist who made significant contributions to the world of music as a double bassist, teacher, and mentor. He was born on August 22, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Wild began playing the double bass at the age of 14 and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. He attended the University of Michigan, where he studied with Lawrence Hurst, a renowned double bassist and teacher. After completing his studies, Wild joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as a member of the bass section. In 1969, Wild moved to Los Angeles to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played for 27 years. During his time with the orchestra, he performed under the baton of some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Zubin Mehta, Carlo Maria Giulini, and Esa-Pekka Salonen. He also played on numerous recordings with the orchestra, including the Grammy Award-winning recording of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring." In addition to his work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Wild was an active chamber musician and soloist. He performed with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the Los Angeles String Quartet, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic New Music Group. He also performed as a soloist with orchestras around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra. Wild was also a dedicated teacher and mentor. He taught at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music for over 30 years, where he trained many of today's leading double bassists. He was known for his innovative teaching methods, which emphasized the importance of physical and mental preparation, as well as the development of a strong musical voice. Throughout his career, Wild received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the world of music. In 1998, he was awarded the International Society of Bassists' Distinguished Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the double bass community. He was also a recipient of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Lifetime Achievement Award and the University of Southern California's Ramo Music Faculty Award. Despite his many accomplishments, Wild remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to perform and teach until his death on March 1, 2011, at the age of 68. His legacy lives on through his recordings, his students, and the countless musicians he inspired throughout his career.

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