HOWARD RUMSEY'S LIGHTHOUSE ALL STARS

Biography

Howard Rumsey, born on November 7, 1917, in Brawley, California, began his musical journey studying piano and drums before switching to double bass while attending Los Angeles City College. He launched his professional career with Vido Musso’s band, where he met Stan Kenton, joining Kenton’s orchestra in 1941 at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa Beach after Kenton personally sought permission from Rumsey’s mother. Rumsey spent two years with Kenton, followed by stints with Charlie Barnet and Barney Bigard, before taking a break from music post-1943.[2][3][4]

In 1949, Rumsey discovered the Lighthouse Café, a former Polynesian-styled bar on Pier Avenue in Hermosa Beach, and convinced the owner to feature jazz, leading a house band that evolved into the Lighthouse All-Stars. The initial lineup drew from LA’s Central Avenue scene, including Hampton Hawes, Teddy Edwards, Sonny Criss, Wardell Gray, Frank Patchen, Bobby White, and Keith Williams. Subsequent editions featured Jimmy Giuffre, Shorty Rogers, Shelly Manne, Bud Shank, Bob Cooper, Rolf Ericson, Max Roach, Conte Candoli, Frank Rosolino, and Sonny Clark, recording a dozen albums for Contemporary Records between 1951-1957 and embodying West Coast cool jazz with hard bop elements—characterized by relaxed yet swinging improvisation that provided ample solo space.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Rumsey managed the Lighthouse as a key LA jazz hub through the 1960s, hosting weekly jam sessions until partner John Levine’s death in 1971, then opening Concerts By The Sea in Redondo Beach, where he performed until retiring in 1985. Over 75 musicians passed through the All-Stars, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of modern West Coast jazz. Rumsey passed away on July 15, 2015, in Newport Beach, California, at age 97.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• Stan Kenton personally asked permission from Rumsey’s mother, who ran a chicken pie shop in San Diego, to let young Howard join his band for a two-year road stint.
• The Lighthouse Café originated as a 1934 restaurant named Verpilates, became a Polynesian bar for seamen in 1940, and was transformed by Rumsey into a jazz landmark.
• A 1953 Lighthouse All-Stars session featured guest stars Chet Baker and Miles Davis alongside Max Roach, Russ Freeman, and Lorraine Geller.
• Over 75 musicians served as Lighthouse All-Stars during the group's run, with Rumsey sometimes stepping aside from bass duties to focus on leadership.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Stan Kenton - Early bandleader who launched Rumsey's professional career and served as a key influence (Stan Kenton Orchestra) [1941-1943]

Key Collaborators

• Hampton Hawes - Early band member from Central Avenue scene (First Lighthouse All-Stars edition) [1949-early 1950s]
• Teddy Edwards - Early band member from Central Avenue scene (First Lighthouse All-Stars edition) [1949-early 1950s]
• Sonny Criss - Early band member from Central Avenue scene (First Lighthouse All-Stars edition) [1949-early 1950s]
• Jimmy Giuffre - Key member of second edition (Lighthouse All-Stars recordings for Contemporary Records) [early 1950s]
• Shorty Rogers - Key member of second edition (Lighthouse All-Stars recordings for Contemporary Records) [early 1950s]
• Shelly Manne - Key member of second edition (Lighthouse All-Stars recordings for Contemporary Records) [early 1950s]
• Bud Shank - Member of third edition (1953 session with Chet Baker and Miles Davis) [1953]
• Max Roach - Member of third edition (1953 session with Chet Baker and Miles Davis) [1953]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia