Remembering A Few Of The Greats

Although they have passed on, their contributions to the Trumpet world cannot be fully appreciated. Whether Classical, Jazz, Symphonic or Pop, their artistry will live on through the ages.

Al Hirt was a jazz trumpeter and bandleader from New Orleans, Louisiana. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He made his professional debut in the 1940s and quickly gained fame for his virtuoso trumpet playing and his ability to play in a wide range of styles, including jazz, pop, and classical. In the 1950s, he formed his own band, “Al Hirt and his Orchestra,” and began to release albums and singles. He became a popular recording artist and had several hit songs, including “Java,” which reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also made appearances in films and television shows, and became a sought-after guest artist, performing with some of the biggest names in music. He passed away on April 27, 1999.

Maurice André was a French trumpet player, considered one of the greatest trumpet soloists of the 20th century. He began playing the trumpet at the age of 14 and later studied at the Paris Conservatoire. After completing his studies, he became the principal trumpet player at the Paris Opera, a position he held for 15 years. In 1960, he left the Opera to focus on his career as a solo artist. He began to tour extensively throughout Europe and the United States, performing with many of the world’s leading orchestras and conductors. He also recorded many albums and released several successful singles. He is particularly well-known for his interpretations of Baroque music and his ability to play on natural trumpet, an instrument with no valves, which was the norm in the Baroque period. He passed away on February 25, 2012.

Rafael Mendez was a Mexican trumpet player and bandleader who was considered one of the greatest trumpet soloists of the 20th century. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Mexico City. He started his professional career in the 1920s as a member of several Mexican orchestras and bands. In the 1930s, he immigrated to the United States and quickly established himself as a virtuoso trumpet player, performing with some of the leading orchestras and bands in the country. He also formed his own band and released several albums, which became popular among jazz and classical music audiences. He was famous for his technique, virtuosity and showmanship, he also was a gifted teacher, influencing many trumpet players to come. He passed away on September 17, 1980.

Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz trumpet player and bandleader. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal. He started his professional career in the 1940s, playing with various big bands and orchestras, including Stan Kenton’s band. In the 1950s, he formed his own band, “Maynard Ferguson and his Orchestra,” and began to release albums and singles. He became a popular recording artist and had several hit songs, including “Gonna Fly Now” (the theme from the movie Rocky) and “Birdland.” He was known for his high-energy performances and his ability to play in a wide range of styles, including jazz, pop, and classical. He was also known for his ability to hit very high notes on the trumpet and was often referred to as “Mr. High Note.” He passed away on August 23, 2006.

Don Ellis was an American jazz trumpet player and bandleader. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied at the Manhattan School of Music. He started his professional career in the 1950s, playing with various jazz bands and orchestras. He formed his own band, “The Don Ellis Orchestra,” in the 1960s and began to release albums and singles. He was known for his innovative approach to jazz, incorporating elements of rock and classical music into his compositions and arrangements. He also experimented with different time signatures and used electronic instruments in his music. He was also known for his use of the trumpet’s upper register, and his ability to play at very fast tempos. He passed away on December 17, 1978.

Timofei Aleksandrovich Dokshizer was a Soviet trumpet player and teacher who is considered one of the greatest trumpet soloists of the 20th century. He began playing the trumpet at a young age and later studied at the Gnessin Institute of Music in Moscow. He started his professional career in the 1950s, playing with various orchestras and bands. In the 1960s, he became the principal trumpet player of the Bolshoi Theater Orchestra in Moscow. He also started to perform as a solo artist, giving concerts and recitals all over the world. He was known for his virtuosity, his ability to play in a wide range of styles, and his unique sound on the trumpet. He also became a respected teacher, passing on his knowledge and expertise to many young trumpet players. He passed away on February 17th, 1999