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To that select list of
wonderful instrumentalists who have led their own dance bands to fortune
and everlasting fame, you can add the name of URBIE GREEN. No
one...but no one... plays smoother, warmer, more mellow trombone.
Urbie Green was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, and by the time he
was sixteen was working professionally with Tommy Reynolds'
band. There followed music and years with Jan Savitt, Frankie Carle,
Gene Krupa, and finally, Woody Herman. In October 1950, Urbie
became part of Woody Herman's Thundering Herd, and in 1954 won
the Down Beat International Critics Award for NEW STAR.
Urbie became one of the most sought-after trombonists for recording and
club work in New York City. He is a multiple winner of the Most Valuable
Player Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,
and perhaps the most recorded musician of all time. He has recorded with
Gene Krupa, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie,
Leonard Bernstein, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Tony Bennett, Peggy
Lee, Pearl Bailey, Ella Fitzgerald, Mile Davis, Charlie Parker, Coleman
Hawkins, Dizzy Gillespie, Barbara Steisand, Perry Como, Aretha Franklin,
Quincy Jones, J.J.Johnson, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Burt Bacharach, Buck
Clayton and Herbie Mann, to name a few.
He was seen and heard in the movie "The Benny Goodman Story",
and shortly afterwards fronted the Benny Goodman Orchestra for a
three month tour. He has appeared in major jazz festivals, motion
pictures, concert halls, nightclubs, radio, television and the White
House. In addition, Urbie has performed at Lincoln Center with an
all-star band led by Benny Carter in a special tribute to Ella
Fitzgerald, and in Thailand, with the Benny Carter all-stars in a
special performance for the King of Thailand. |
