Biography
Artie Shaw (born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky on May 23, 1910, in New York City) was one of the most celebrated clarinetists and bandleaders of the swing era. Raised in New Haven, Connecticut, Shaw left home at 15 to tour as a jazz musician, quickly establishing himself as a talented reed player and arranger. After early stints with bands such as Austin Wylie and Irving Aaronson, Shaw became a sought-after studio musician in New York, absorbing influences from both jazz and contemporary classical music. His breakthrough came in 1936 with a performance of his chamber jazz piece 'Interlude in B Flat,' which led to the formation of his own orchestra.
Shaw’s big band, which often featured innovative arrangements and occasionally a string section, rose to national prominence in 1938 with his recording of Cole Porter's 'Begin the Beguine.' The record became a defining hit of the era and catapulted Shaw to stardom, rivaling Benny Goodman as a leading figure of swing. Notably, Shaw was an early proponent of integrating Black artists into his bands, hiring Billie Holiday as a vocalist in 1938—a move that drew controversy in segregated America. Shaw’s career was marked by frequent experimentation, including his Gramercy Five small group and forays into Third Stream music, blending jazz and classical forms. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, leading a morale-boosting band in the South Pacific.
Despite his success, Shaw was known for his perfectionism and restlessness, leading him to repeatedly disband his groups and eventually retire from music in 1954. He later pursued writing and other interests, publishing an autobiography and short stories. Shaw’s legacy endures as a master clarinetist, a bold bandleader who challenged musical and social conventions, and a major influence on generations of jazz musicians.
Fun Facts
- Shaw was married eight times, including to actresses Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.
- He abruptly retired from music several times, famously walking off stage in 1939 at the height of his fame.
- Shaw was an early adopter and ambassador of the Selmer Centered Tone clarinet.
- He won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004, just months before his death.
Associated Acts
- Artie Shaw and His Gramercy Five - eponymous, original
- Artie Shaw and His Orchestra - original
- Artie Shaw and His Orchestra - eponymous
- Golden Pheasant Orchestra
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Willie 'The Lion' Smith - Influential Harlem pianist whose style and musicianship influenced Shaw during his early years in New York. (Harlem jam sessions) [late 1920s]
Key Collaborators
- Billie Holiday - Vocalist with Shaw's orchestra, one of the first Black singers to front a white big band. (Artie Shaw Orchestra recordings and performances) [1938]
- Oran 'Hot Lips' Page - Trumpeter in Shaw's band; Shaw refused to drop him from a Southern tour in defiance of segregation. (Artie Shaw Orchestra performances) [1941]
- Mel Tormé - Vocalist with Shaw's later bands and admirer of Shaw's arrangements. (Gramercy Five recordings) [1940s]
Artists Influenced
- Monty Norman - Composer of the James Bond Theme, whose vamp was possibly influenced by Shaw's 'Nightmare.' (James Bond Theme) [1962]
- Benny Goodman - Rival clarinetist and bandleader; both influenced each other as leading swing clarinetists. (Swing era recordings) [1930s-1940s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Begin The Beguine | 1987-09-01 | Album |
| Complete Gramercy 5 Sessions | 1989-01-31 | Album |
| Sweet & Simple (Vol. 2) | 1999 | Album |
| Sweeter As the the Years Go By | 1998 | Album |
| Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered) | 2020-07-17 | Album |
| Artie Shaw and His Orchestra Featuring Mel Tormé and the Meltones | 1965-07-27 | Album |
| Highlights from Self Portrait | 2001 | Album |
| "1949" - Previously Unreleased Recordings | 2008-08-01 | Album |
| American Classics | 2002-01-01 | Album |
| Artie Shaw: The Complete Jazz Heritage Society Recordings | 1992 | Album |
| The Swing Band Project: In Person - Artie Shaw | 2023-03-17 | Album |
| The Complete Thesaurus Transcriptions 1949 | 2010-04-20 | Album |
| "On the Air" 1939-1940 | 1939-01-01 | Album |
| 101 - The Essential Artie Shaw - The Early Years | 2013-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Moonglow (Begin The Beguine)
- Begin the Beguine (Begin The Beguine)
- Stardust (Begin The Beguine)
- Frenesi (Begin The Beguine)
- Where Or When
- Softly, As In A Morning Sunrise
- Begin The Beguine
- It Had To Be You
- A Room With A View
- Deep Purple (Begin The Beguine)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #swing
References
Heard on WWOZ
artie shaw has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:18 | Begin The Beguinefrom Swing With Artie Shaw LP1 | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Jan 3, 2026 | 08:14 | All The Things You Arefrom Swing With Artie Shaw LP 3 | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 20:01 | Nightmare | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |