Birth

:

November 4, 1928 in Long Beach, CA

Death

:

March 8, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA

 

Larry Bunker was a renowned American jazz drummer and vibraphonist, born on November 4, 1928, in Long Beach, California. He was raised in a musical family, and his father was a professional drummer who played in various bands. Bunker started playing drums at the age of six and later learned to play the vibraphone. Bunker's musical career began in the 1940s when he played with local bands in California. He joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra in 1953 and played with them for two years. During this time, he also recorded with other jazz musicians, including Chet Baker, Gerry Mulligan, and Art Pepper. In 1955, Bunker moved to New York City and became a sought-after studio musician. He played on numerous recordings for television, film, and popular music artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Henry Mancini. He also played on the soundtrack for the classic film "West Side Story." Bunker's versatility as a musician allowed him to play in a variety of genres, including jazz, pop, and classical music. He played with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, among others. He also recorded with classical musicians, including violinist Jascha Heifetz and pianist André Previn. In addition to his studio work, Bunker continued to perform live with jazz musicians. He played with the likes of Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bill Evans. He also formed his own groups, including the Larry Bunker Quartet and the Larry Bunker and Chuck Flores Duo. Bunker's talent as a musician was recognized with several awards and honors throughout his career. He won a Grammy Award in 1966 for his work on the album "Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music." He was also inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame in 1992. Bunker continued to perform and record music until his death on March 8, 2005, at the age of 76. His legacy as a versatile and talented musician lives on through his recordings and the influence he had on other musicians.

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