Who is Jim Morrison?

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When we speak of great trumpet players, names such as Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Wynton Marsalis roll from our lips. But how familiar is the name Jim Morrison, and I am not speaking of the member of the famous rock band of the ‘60s; the Doors? If you are unaware of this talented trumpet player, be prepared to welcome a new icon into your trumpet world.

James Morrison was born November 11. 1962 in Boorowa, New South Wales. His talents as a multi-instrumentalist (clarinet, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, flugelhorn, bass flugelhorn, trombone, euphonium, tuba and piano.) are legendary and his ability on a trumpet is astounding. Mr. Morrison began his career in music at the age of seven, formed his first band at the age of nine and at thirteen was playing professionally. When he was 16, his performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival was outstanding. He has performed with many of the top musicians in the world including Dizzy Gillespie, Don Burrows, Ray Charles, B. B. King, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis, Frank Sinatra, Cab Calloway, Jon Faddis, Woody Shaw, Whitney Houston, Arturo Sandoval, Phil Stack, George Benson, Mark Nightingale, and Red Rodney. In addition to his instrumental talents, he is also a gifted composer.

Mr. Morrison grew up in a musical family (his brother John Morrison is a gifted jazz drummer) and has contributed to music education through his James Morrison Scholarship in conjunction with the Generations In Jazz program. You can read more about this gifted musician at the Jim Morrison web site and additional information on his Jim Morrison Digital Trumpet site.

It is my wish that people will soon be more aware of the name Jim Morrison than the name Crocodile Dundee.

Bruce was a member of the faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, School of Music in Cedar Falls from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. He has performed with many well-known entertainers such as Bob Hope, Jim Nabors, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Anita Bryant, Carman Cavalara, Victor Borgie, the Four Freshman, Blackstone the Magician, Bobby Vinton and John Davidson.

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2 thoughts on “Who is Jim Morrison?”

  1. Derek Hopper

    Have been a fan for last 20 years, he is as good an example of a musical genius as any, in my opinion. Just been listening one of his latest albums, called 2X2, where he plays as a duo with Joe Chindamo on piano, well worth a listen.

    Derek

    • Bruce Chidester

      You are much more “hip” than I.
      Thanks for the suggestion and I will check out his latest side.

      The very best to you and yours.

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