Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 16, 1913 in Milwaukee, WI

Death

:

October 29, 1987 in Los Angeles, CA

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

 

Orchestral

 

Woody Herman was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader who was born on May 16, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the son of a Polish immigrant who played the violin and a Ukrainian immigrant who sang in the church choir. Herman grew up in a musical family and began playing the clarinet at the age of 12. He was largely self-taught and learned to play by listening to recordings of Benny Goodman and other jazz musicians. Herman began his professional career in the mid-1930s, playing in various bands in the Midwest. In 1936, he joined the Isham Jones Orchestra, one of the most popular bands of the era. He played clarinet and alto saxophone in the band and also sang on some of their recordings. Herman's playing and singing quickly caught the attention of audiences and critics, and he became known for his virtuosic solos and energetic performances. In 1937, Herman left the Isham Jones Orchestra to form his own band, which he called the Woody Herman Orchestra. The band quickly gained a following and became known for its innovative arrangements and tight ensemble playing. Herman was a demanding bandleader who expected his musicians to rehearse extensively and perform at a high level. He also encouraged his musicians to experiment with new sounds and styles, and the band became known for its eclectic repertoire, which included swing, bebop, and Latin jazz. One of the highlights of Herman's career came in 1945, when he recorded the song "Woodchopper's Ball," which became a huge hit and remains one of the most famous jazz recordings of all time. The song featured Herman's clarinet playing and also showcased the band's tight ensemble playing and innovative arrangements. The success of "Woodchopper's Ball" helped to establish Herman as one of the leading figures in jazz and swing music. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Herman continued to lead his band and record numerous albums. He also appeared in several films, including "New Orleans" (1947) and "The Benny Goodman Story" (1956). In 1959, he disbanded his orchestra and formed a smaller group, which he called the Woody Herman Sextet. The group featured some of the top jazz musicians of the era, including trumpeter Bill Chase and saxophonist Sal Nistico. Herman continued to perform and record throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and he remained a popular and influential figure in jazz music. He received numerous awards and honors during his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. He was also inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1981 and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986. Herman died on October 29, 1987, at the age of 74. He left behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential figures in jazz and swing music. His recordings and performances continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world, and his contributions to the development of jazz music will be remembered for generations to come.

More....