Biography
Georgie Auld (born John Altwerger on May 19, 1919, in Toronto, Canada) was a self-taught jazz tenor saxophonist, clarinetist, and bandleader whose career spanned the swing, bebop, and big band eras. After moving with his family to Brooklyn, New York, in 1929, Auld received his first saxophone and quickly became a prodigy, performing in his family's saloon and forming his own band by age 13. Inspired by the legendary Coleman Hawkins, he switched from alto to tenor saxophone in 1935, a pivotal decision that shaped his expressive style.[1][3][4]
Auld's professional breakthrough came as a teenager when he joined Bunny Berigan's orchestra, followed by a prominent stint with Artie Shaw's band, where he even led the group during Shaw's absences. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Auld collaborated with top jazz figures including Benny Goodman, Erroll Garner, Dizzy Gillespie, and Billy Eckstine, and led his own successful big bands such as Georgie Auld and His Orchestra. His playing was marked by a bold, swinging approach that bridged the gap between the big band tradition and the emerging bebop style. Auld also ventured into acting, appearing on Broadway and in films, most notably as a bandleader and technical consultant in Martin Scorsese's 'New York, New York' (1977).[2][3][5]
Auld's legacy rests on his adaptability and influence across jazz genres, his leadership in both swing and early bebop ensembles, and his role as a connector between generations of jazz musicians. He remained active in music and entertainment until his death in Palm Springs, California, on January 8, 1990.[3][4]
Fun Facts
- Auld was self-taught on the saxophone and started performing for tips as a child in his family's saloon.
- He appeared as a bandleader and technical consultant in Martin Scorsese's film 'New York, New York' (1977), coaching Robert De Niro on saxophone fingering.
- Auld played rock and roll for Alan Freed in 1959, showing his adaptability across genres.
- He was one of the first prominent jazz musicians to openly struggle with heroin addiction, a fact that affected his bands in the 1940s.
Associated Acts
- The Benny Goodman Sextet - tenor saxophone (1940–present)
- Georgie Auld & His Orchestra - original
- The Blues Band
- The Georgie Auld Quintet - alto saxophone
- The Georgie Auld Quintet - tenor saxophone
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Coleman Hawkins - Auld was inspired to switch from alto to tenor saxophone after hearing Hawkins' recordings. (N/A (stylistic influence)) [1935]
Key Collaborators
- Bunny Berigan - Auld was a featured soloist and band member. (Berigan's orchestra recordings) [1937-1938]
- Artie Shaw - Auld was a key member and briefly led Shaw's orchestra during Shaw's absence. (Artie Shaw Orchestra recordings, live broadcasts) [1938-1939]
- Benny Goodman - Auld performed and recorded with Goodman. (Goodman's band sessions) [1940s]
- Erroll Garner - Collaborated as a sideman and in recording sessions. (Various recordings) [1940s-1950s]
- Dizzy Gillespie - Worked together during the bebop era. (Various sessions) [1940s]
- Billy Eckstine - Collaborated in big band settings. (Eckstine's band) [1940s]
- Frank Rosolino - Frequent collaborator in big band and small group contexts. (Hollywood All Stars) [1950s]
Artists Influenced
- Al Porcino - Worked in Auld's bands and was influenced by his leadership and style. (Georgie Auld and His Orchestra) [1940s-1950s]
- Tiny Kahn - Drummer in Auld's bands, developed his swing and bop approach under Auld. (Hollywood All Stars) [late 1940s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Let's Jump | 2018-10-05 | Album |
| Saxophone Masters 1951-1962 | 2013-05-01 | Album |
| Jazz for Commuters / Salute to the Saxes | 2011-11-11 | Album |
| Quintet & Septet 1951-1963 | 2010-09-02 | Album |
| Milestones of Jazz Legends - More Jazz Guitar, Vol. 9 | 2018-03-18 | Album |
| Classics by Georgie Auld | 2017-03-08 | Album |
| That's Auld | 2025-03-21 | Album |
| Manhattan | 2025-02-14 | Album |
| Auldacity | 2023-03-23 | Album |
| Georgie's Finest | 2021-07-23 | Album |
| In the Land of Hi-Fi / Misty | 2020-11-27 | Album |
| Golden Selection (Remastered) | 2020-07-17 | Album |
| Georgie Auld & Friends | 2019-07-16 | Album |
| Come To Baby Do | 2019-02-15 | Album |
| I Did It | 2016-11-22 | Album |
Top Tracks
- You're My Thrill
- Gone with the Draft (Let's Jump)
- All Or Nothing At All - Remastered
- Taking a Chance on Love (Saxophone Masters 1951-1962)
- I Can't Give You Anything but Love (Let's Jump)
- Blue and Sentimental (Quintet & Septet 1951-1963)
- Everything Happens to Me (Saxophone Masters 1951-1962)
- Blue and Sentimental
- Bucks County Bounce (Jazz for Commuters / Salute to the Saxes)
- All Too Soon (Jazz for Commuters / Salute to the Saxes)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #swing
References
Heard on WWOZ
Georgie Auld has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7, 2025 | 07:23 | Spring It Wasfrom Four Classic Albums | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 07:12 | Mistyfrom Four Classic Albums | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman |