Woody Herman American jazz clarinetist Date of Birth: 16.05.1913 Country: USA

Biography of Woody Herman

Woody Herman, an American jazz clarinetist, was born on May 16, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. His full name was Woodrow Charles Thomas Herman. His father was a professional singer and a member of the vocal ensemble "White Citi Four," and Woody began performing with him in vaudeville shows and theaters and bars in Milwaukee from the age of six. At the age of nine, he was already playing the saxophone professionally, and by fourteen, he had mastered the clarinet.

During his time in high school, Woody Herman took private lessons to further his musical education, which he continued at Marquette University. In 1927, Herman performed with various dance orchestras in Milwaukee. He embarked on his first tour with Joe Litcher, a renowned violinist. While attending university, he worked in Tom Gerun's orchestra as a vocalist and tenor saxophonist, touring the southern states.

In 1933, Herman unsuccessfully attempted to form his own orchestra. In 1934, he left Milwaukee and briefly collaborated with Harry Sosnik and Gus Arnheim before joining Isham Jones' suite band. The ensemble performed in Denver under the name "Isham Jones Juniors," with Woody as the lead vocalist. In 1936, after the group disbanded, Herman formed his own orchestra and, after a month and a half of rehearsals, performed on the stage in Brooklyn, New York. They were marketed as the "Orchestra That Plays the Blues." The orchestra's signature composition was "Blue Prelude," and in 1939, their hit "At The Woodchoppers Ball" by Joe Bishop brought them fame. The record sold millions of copies, making the orchestra one of the leading bands of the time. They were invited to perform in famous jazz clubs on 52nd Street, and after Glenn Miller's departure, they replaced him at the "Glenn Island Casino."

Woody Herman, a remarkable jazz clarinetist, invited many talented musicians of the time to join his orchestra. He worked with pianist Ralph Burns and saxophonist Stan Getz, guitarist Billy Bauer, trumpeter Shorty Rogers, drummer Dave Tough, and vocalist Frances Wayne. In 1947, after some performers left the orchestra, Herman invited the famous saxophone group "The Four Brothers" to join his lineup. The second lineup toured for two years.

Woody Herman changed the repertoire of his orchestra, transitioning from blues and traditional jazz to modern jazz and swing. In doing so, he showcased his innovative abilities and his capacity to adapt to contemporary styles, while many renowned orchestras and bands were disbanding. Woody Herman passed away on October 29, 1987, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy as an exceptional organizer and musician.