Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

April 1, 1923 in Centralia, WA

Death

:

November 27, 2006 in Cedar Grove, NJ

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

Don Butterfield was an American classical music artist who was born on April 26, 1923, in Rhode Island. He was a renowned tuba player who was known for his unique style and sound. Butterfield was raised in a musical family, and his father was a professional musician who played the trumpet. He started playing the tuba at a young age and quickly developed a passion for the instrument. Butterfield's musical career began in the 1940s when he joined the United States Army Band. He served in the band for several years and gained valuable experience playing in various ensembles. After leaving the army, Butterfield moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In New York, Butterfield quickly established himself as a talented tuba player and began playing with some of the most prominent jazz musicians of the time. He played with Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Dizzy Gillespie, among others. Butterfield's unique sound and style made him a sought-after musician, and he quickly became one of the most respected tuba players in the industry. Butterfield's career took off in the 1950s when he began playing with the New York Philharmonic. He was the first tuba player to be hired by the orchestra, and he quickly became an integral part of the ensemble. Butterfield's playing was praised for its clarity and precision, and he was known for his ability to blend seamlessly with the other musicians in the orchestra. Butterfield's career continued to flourish throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He played with a variety of orchestras and ensembles, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the New York City Ballet Orchestra. He also recorded several albums as a solo artist, including "The Don Butterfield Quintet" and "The Electric Tubist." One of the highlights of Butterfield's career was his performance at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960. He played with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was featured on several of the band's most famous recordings, including "Take the A Train" and "Mood Indigo." Butterfield's performance at the festival was widely praised, and it helped to cement his reputation as one of the most talented tuba players of his time. Butterfield was also a respected educator and taught at several universities throughout his career. He was a professor of music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and also taught at the Manhattan School of Music and the Juilliard School. Throughout his career, Butterfield received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the world of classical music. He was inducted into the Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame in 2013, and he was also awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship in 1997. Don Butterfield passed away on March 13, 2006, at the age of 82. He left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and respected tuba players in the history of classical music. His unique sound and style continue to inspire musicians around the world, and his contributions to the world of music will never be forgotten.

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