Biography
Al Hirt and Ann-Margret, both prominent RCA Victor recording artists in the early 1960s, joined forces for the 1964 album 'Beauty and the Beard.' Al Hirt, a celebrated New Orleans trumpeter known for his virtuosic Dixieland jazz style, had already established himself with a string of successful solo albums and collaborations. Ann-Margret, born in Sweden and raised in Illinois, was gaining fame as a dynamic actress and singer, often compared to the 'female Elvis' for her sultry voice and stage presence. Their collaboration was sparked after alternating sets in a Las Vegas lounge, leading to a studio partnership that produced a unique blend of jazz, pop, and playful vocal interplay.
'Beauty and the Beard' was arranged by the renowned Marty Paich and produced by Steve Sholes, featuring a mix of standards and playful duets that showcased Ann-Margret's coquettish vocals against Hirt's gravelly baritone and expressive trumpet. The album was well-received for its high-quality musicianship and the chemistry between the two artists, with Ann-Margret's vocals considered among her best recorded work. Although Ann-Margret's recording career was overshadowed by her film success, this album remains her only charting LP and a highlight of both artists' discographies. Their collaboration is remembered for its spirited performances and the seamless fusion of jazz and pop sensibilities.[5][2][3][4]
While both artists continued on their individual paths—Hirt as a jazz and pop instrumentalist and Ann-Margret as a Hollywood star—their brief partnership stands as a testament to the creative experimentation of 1960s popular music. The album's legacy endures as a cult favorite among collectors and fans of classic vocal jazz-pop crossovers.
Fun Facts
- The album 'Beauty and the Beard' was recorded in just two days, with fourteen songs completed in four-hour sessions.[2]
- Ann-Margret was animated as 'Ann-Margrock' in 'The Flintstones,' where she sang a lullaby, highlighting her pop culture impact during the same era as her collaboration with Hirt.[2]
- Al Hirt's nickname was 'Jumbo,' reflecting both his larger-than-life personality and his powerful trumpet sound.[2]
- Ann-Margret's only charting album in the U.S. was this collaboration with Al Hirt, despite her fame as a singer and actress.[3]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Marty Paich - Arranger and conductor for 'Beauty and the Beard', guiding the musical direction of the collaboration. (Beauty and the Beard (1964)) [1964]
Key Collaborators
- Marty Paich - Arranger and conductor, shaping the sound and arrangements for the album. (Beauty and the Beard (1964)) [1964]
- Steve Sholes - Producer of the album, overseeing the recording sessions. (Beauty and the Beard (1964)) [1964]
Artists Influenced
- No widely documented direct proteges or students - The collaboration's playful jazz-pop style has been cited as an example of 1960s crossover experimentation, but no specific artists are directly documented as influenced by this duo.
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Together | 2005-03-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Fall To Pieces (Together)
- Always On My Mind (Country Music Hits From The 80's Volume 1)
- I Can't Stop Lovin' You (Together)
- Release Me (Together)
- Rocky Top (Together)
- Secret Love (Together)
- Make The World Go Away (Together)
- Gotta Travel On (Strictly Trucking)
- Mountain Of Love (Can I Have This Dance)
- I Fall To Pieces (From The Pen Of Harlan Howard)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Al Hirt & Ann-Margret has been played 17 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 11, 2025 | 09:24 | Struttin' With Some Barbeque | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 09:28 | Royal Garden Bluesfrom Pete Fountain Presents The Best | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Dec 9, 2025 | 09:28 | Royal Garden Bluesfrom Pete Fountain Presents The Best | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Dec 4, 2025 | 14:24 | Java | Bluesw/ DJ Giant | |
| Nov 25, 2025 | 09:22 | Javafrom That`s A Plenty | Traditional Jazzw/ Leslie Cooper | |
| Nov 13, 2025 | 09:29 | When The Saints Go Marching In | Traditional Jazzw/ Sally Young | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 13:08 | BY Al Hirtfrom Live at the Muinicpal Auditorium - 4/25/1970 | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 12:52 | Carnival of Venicefrom Live at Carnegie Hall | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 12:51 | JAVA | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk | |
| Nov 7, 2025 | 12:50 | Green Hornet Themefrom The Horn Meets the Hornet | New Orleans Music Showw/ Black Mold or Bill DeTurk |