Category: Big Band

  • Erskine Hawkins

    Erskine Hawkins

    About Erskine Ramsay Hawkins was an American trumpeter and big band leader from Birmingham, Alabama, dubbed “The 20th Century Gabriel”. He is best remembered for composing the jazz standard “Tuxedo Junction” (1939) with saxophonist and arranger Bill Johnson. The song became a hit during World War II, rising to No. 7 nationally and to No. 1 nationally.…

  • Woody Herman

    Woody Herman

    About Woodrow Charles Herman was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Leading groups called “The Herd”, Herman came to prominence in the late 1930s and was active until his death in 1987. His bands often played music that was cutting edge and experimental; their recordings received numerous Grammy nominations. Albums/Songs: How…

  • Artie Shaw

    Artie Shaw

    About Artie Shaw was an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, actor and author of both fiction and non-fiction. Albums/Songs: Free for All Four Star Favorites Begin the Beguine Begin the Beguine More Last Recordings CD Diamond Series: 16 Top Tracks Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, Artie Shaw And Their Orchestras The 1930’s – Volume 1 It Goes…