(1908-71) Composer, arranger, and conductor. He conducted the CBS orchestra and his own groups for many years. Nominated many times for Oscars for various musical categories--arranging; scoring; and original music. Won the Oscar for "Star". He also arranged and produced most of Lena Hornes albums. Hayton and Horne were married from 1947 until Haytons death.
jazz pianist, valve trombonist, teacher
Lead Drummer in the movie "The Gene Krupa Story"; teamed w/Thad Jones for many years. Played at the Village Vanguard. Selected to Playboy Magazine Musicians Hall of Fame; Recorded Mel Lewis and the Jazz Orchestra "Naturally" on Telarc; Nationally and internationally recognized. Born Melvin Sokoloff, died in 1990.
Singer and composer (the Christmas Song: "Chestnuts roasting..."). Born Mel Torma.
Born to a Jewish family in Chicago, Milton "Mezz" Mezzrow played jazz clarinet, most notably with Louis Armstrong and with other African-American bands. He so identified with black culture that he was delighted when a WWII draft board classed him as a "Negro". He was also known as Armstrongs marijuana connection. He wrote a fascinating autobiography.
Top contemporary alto saxophonist. Considered to be one of the most influential players of the last twenty five years. Was part of the Brecker Brothers Band with brother Michael. They still play together and as solo acts.
jazz vibraphonist
Well-known Canadian jazz flutist. He appeared on the Tonight Show a number of times when Johny was hosting. Been around a long time, still touring with his quintet.
Composer, orchestra leader, and arranger. As a composer he scored dozens of films and television shows, including the memorable jazzy theme songs for "Route 66" and "The Untouchables". He won an Oscar for the music for "The Great Gatsby". His orchestra was very popular in the 50s. As an arranger/producer he was a legend, incl. the best Frank Sinatra albums. Just before his death, Linda Ronstadt recruited him to produce & arrange her album of popular standards.
jazz pianist, singer (Jewish mother)
Abrams is a Jewish American musician from Idyllwild, California who finished in sixth place on the tenth season of American Idol. He was eliminated from the competition on April 28, 2011, five weeks after being saved from elimination by the judges.
(1926-1988) Tenor sax player and composer, he was also a leading Broadway arranger
Singer with the "vocalese" revival group "Manhattan Transfer". The all vocal group has covered a wide variety of material--but they are perhaps best known for their covers of material from the 30s and 40s. In the 70s they had an American hit with their cover of "The Boy From New York City". Paul was also in the original production of "Grease" on Broadway.
singer-songwriter, record producer, theatre actress, and television host
singer/songwriter
Born Artie Arshawsky. Famous big-band leader and great clarinet player who suddenly retired in the 1940s and has not performed since.
Israeli modern jazz bassist and composer.
Leader and banjo player for the popular band, "Bela and the Flecktones", which combines jazz and bluegrass.
The King of Swing. Chicago-born clarinet player who was adept at Jazz and classical music. Goodman broke the color barrier by having the first integrated swing band.
singer, actress
