Biography
Kenny Davern (born John Kenneth Davern on January 7, 1935, in Huntington, New York) was a celebrated American jazz clarinetist renowned for his expressive, lyrical playing and his dedication to traditional jazz and swing. Growing up in Queens, Davern was captivated by jazz after hearing Artie Shaw’s 'Concerto for Clarinet' and Pee Wee Russell’s distinctive soloing. He began his professional career astonishingly early, earning his union card at 16 and joining Jack Teagarden’s band at just 19, quickly establishing himself among New York’s jazz elite.
Davern’s career spanned over five decades, during which he played with many of the greats of jazz, including Phil Napoleon, Pee Wee Erwin, Ruby Braff, and Wild Bill Davison. In the 1970s, he co-founded the influential group Soprano Summit with Bob Wilber, blending clarinet and soprano saxophone in a unique, swinging context. Though best known for his mastery of the clarinet, Davern was also an adventurous musician, occasionally venturing into avant-garde jazz, notably collaborating with Steve Lacy, Steve Swallow, and Paul Motian. His style was marked by a warm, woody tone and a melodic focus, drawing deeply from the traditions of Louis Armstrong and Pee Wee Russell, yet always infused with his own personality and wit.
Davern’s legacy is that of a torchbearer for classic jazz clarinet, revered by critics and peers alike for his technical prowess and emotional depth. He recorded prolifically for labels such as Arbors, Music Masters, Jazzology, and Chiaroscuro, and was recognized internationally, including being named the Number One Clarinetist in the World by the English Jazz Journal Reader’s Poll. Davern passed away on December 12, 2006, in Sandia Park, New Mexico, leaving behind a rich, influential body of work that continues to inspire jazz musicians worldwide.
Fun Facts
- Davern appeared in the film classic 'The Hustler' starring Paul Newman, as well as in Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.
- He was self-taught in his early years and formed a high school Dixieland band before turning professional at 16.
- Davern was known for his witty, sometimes acerbic personality, once remarking: 'Just to record for the sake of being in a studio is masturbatory.'
- He was named Number One Clarinetist in the World by the English Jazz Journal Reader's Poll and won the Music Trades Association Award for Best Jazz Record of the Year in England.
Associated Acts
- Kenny Davern Quartet - clarinet, eponymous, original
- Kenny Davern Trio
- Soprano Summit
- Summit Reunion
- Kenny Davern Big Three - clarinet
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- David Weber - Early clarinet teacher who later became principal clarinetist with the New York City Ballet orchestra (Private instruction during youth) [late 1940s–early 1950s]
- Pee Wee Russell - Major stylistic influence; Davern decided to become a jazz musician after hearing Russell play (Inspired by Russell's solo on 'Memphis Blues' with Muggsy Spanier's band) [1940s (influence throughout career)]
- Louis Armstrong - Primary musical influence, especially in phrasing and melodic approach (General inspiration, no direct collaboration) [lifelong influence]
Key Collaborators
- Jack Teagarden - Band leader; Davern joined his band at age 19 and made his first recordings (Recordings and performances with Teagarden's band) [1954–1955]
- Bob Wilber - Co-leader of Soprano Summit, Davern's most enduring collaboration (Soprano Summit albums and performances) [1972–1979]
- Dick Wellstood - Frequent collaborator; formed The Blue Three and played in various club settings (The Blue Three recordings, club performances) [late 1960s–1987]
- Steve Lacy, Steve Swallow, Paul Motian - Collaborators on the avant-garde jazz album 'Unexpected' ('Unexpected' album) [1978]
- Phil Napoleon, Pee Wee Erwin, Ruby Braff, Wild Bill Davison, Ralph Sutton, Bud Freeman, Shorty Baker - Frequent collaborators in various bands and recordings (Multiple recordings and live performances) [1950s–1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Modern traditional jazz clarinetists - Davern's recordings and performances set a standard for classic jazz clarinet, inspiring a new generation of players (Influence evident in the work of clarinetists active in the 1980s–2000s) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Breezin' Along | 2007-01-09 | Album |
| Summit Reunion | 1992 | Album |
| Soprano Summit 1975 | 2008-09-09 | Album |
| Summit Reunion (1989) | 1990 | Album |
| Ralph Sutton & Kenny Davern | 1980 | Album |
| Too Busy | 2018-08-30 | Album |
| Rhythm Men | 2007-01-09 | Album |
| Summit Reunion Plays Some Al Jolson Songs | 2000 | Album |
| Reunion At Arbors | 1998-05-05 | Album |
| Summit Reunion/yellow Dog Bl | 1995 | Album |
| Dick Wellstood- Kenny Davern | 1981 | Album |
| Swinging Down Memory Lane (Live) | 2025-05-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) - Voice
- When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With You) - Voice (Mighty Aphrodite)
- Dark Eyes (Breezin' Along)
- My Blue Heaven (Summit Reunion)
- Potato Head Blues - Live (We Love You, Louis! (Live))
- Jingle Bells
- Nobody's Sweetheart
- Love Me Or Leave Me (Summit Reunion)
- Bugle Call Rag (Chasin' the Blues)
- Cornet Chop Suey - Live (We Love You, Louis! (Live))
External Links
Tags: #dixieland, #jazz, #swing
References
Heard on WWOZ
Kenny Davern has been played 9 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 14, 2025 | 07:02 | I Want To Be Happyfrom At The Mill Hill Playhouse | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Dec 14, 2025 | 06:25 | Lazy Riverfrom At The Mill Hill Playhouse | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Dec 7, 2025 | 07:01 | There'll Be Some Changes Madefrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 30, 2025 | 07:02 | I'm Sorry I Made You Cryfrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | 07:02 | There's Yes! Yes! In Your Eyesfrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | 07:01 | Sugarfrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | 06:26 | Please Be Kindfrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 06:37 | Wild Man Bluesfrom The Kenny Davern Quartet at the Mill Hill Playhouse | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Sep 14, 2025 | 07:35 | Alwaysfrom East Side, West Side | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman |