BENNY MORTON AND HIS ORCHESTRA

Biography

Benny Morton (January 31, 1907 – December 28, 1985) was an influential American jazz trombonist, most associated with the swing era. Born in New York City, Morton received his early musical training at Textile High School, where he began performing with school friends and was influenced by his step-father, a violinist. His first professional engagement came at age 17 with Billy Fowler’s Orchestra, and he soon joined Fletcher Henderson’s orchestra in 1926, where he developed his own trombone style under the mentorship of Jimmy Harrison.

Morton’s career flourished as he alternated between major bands, including Chick Webb’s and Don Redman’s orchestras throughout the 1930s. He joined Count Basie’s orchestra in 1937, remaining until 1940, and later played with Teddy Wilson’s sextet and Edmond Hall’s band. Morton’s trombone playing was noted for its soft, smooth tone, wide range, and facility in all registers, blending early 'hot' jazz techniques with elegant swing phrasing. He was also recognized as an excellent 'tailgate' player, adept at Dixieland revival styles later in his career.

Though primarily a sideman and soloist, Morton occasionally led his own bands, including a notable 1934 recording session as Benny Morton & His Orchestra. He collaborated with many jazz greats, appeared on Billie Holiday’s 'The Sound of Jazz,' and remained active in ensembles and New York theater orchestras into the 1970s. Morton’s legacy is defined by his tasteful understatement, advanced chromaticism, and his role in shaping the sound of swing trombone.

Fun Facts

• Morton led a rare recording session under his own name in 1934, featuring members from Fletcher Henderson's and Don Redman's bands.
• He was known for his advanced use of chromatics and tasteful understatement in his trombone solos.
• Morton appeared with Billie Holiday on the historic 'The Sound of Jazz' TV special.
• He played on Raymond Scott's orchestra recordings, which later became famous as cartoon soundtracks.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jimmy Harrison - Senior trombonist in Fletcher Henderson's orchestra who influenced Morton's improvisational style. (Fletcher Henderson Orchestra recordings) [1926-1928]

Key Collaborators

• Fletcher Henderson - Morton was a key member of Henderson's orchestra, contributing to its signature swing sound. (Fletcher Henderson Orchestra recordings) [1926-1928, 1931]
• Chick Webb - Alternated between Webb's and Henderson's bands, performing and recording. (Chick Webb Orchestra recordings) [1930-1931]
• Don Redman - Played in Redman's orchestra for several years, including on the 1934 Benny Morton & His Orchestra session. (Don Redman Orchestra, Benny Morton & His Orchestra (1934 session)) [1932-1937]
• Count Basie - Joined Basie's orchestra, contributing to its rise as a premier swing band. (Count Basie Orchestra recordings) [1937-1940]
• Teddy Wilson - Member of Wilson's sextet, a highly regarded swing combo. (Teddy Wilson Sextet recordings) [1940-1943]
• Billie Holiday - Performed with Holiday, notably on 'The Sound of Jazz.' (The Sound of Jazz (1957 TV special)) [1950s]

Artists Influenced

• Buck Clayton - Collaborated with Morton in Dixieland revival settings, influenced by Morton's tailgate trombone style. (Various Dixieland revival recordings) [1940s-1950s]
• Roy Eldridge - Worked with Morton in Dixieland revival groups, inspired by his trombone technique. (Dixieland revival performances) [1940s-1950s]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Taylor Made (A Taste of 1934)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz