Woody Herman

American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader.

Born 16 May 1913 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Died 29 October 1987 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Starting in high school, he was playing saxophone and clarinet in the Myron Stewart Band in Milwaukee. He switched to the band of violinist Joey Lichter, where he was vocalist and soloist. His first jazz encounter as active musician was joining [a4860573], where he played for four years. Later, he played for [a280928] and [a675269], before he finally reached the orchestra of [a614341]. When the latter decided to retire in 1936, Herman was the core of the 'hot' fraction of the disbanded orchestra. Together with 8 other musicians of this band, he founded his own orchestra [a284746], which became legendary as a source of jazz talents over decades. He stayed faithful to his orchestra until the end of his life.