PAUL WHITEMAN AND HIS ORCHESTRA

Biography

Paul Whiteman, born March 28, 1890, in Denver, Colorado, was raised in a musical family—his father was a music supervisor and his mother an opera singer[8][6]. He began his career as a violinist and violist, earning a position in the Denver Symphony Orchestra before joining the San Francisco Symphony in 1914[2][4]. After serving as a bandleader for a U.S. Navy orchestra during World War I, Whiteman founded his own orchestra in California in 1918, quickly rising to prominence on the jazz scene[1][3].

Whiteman's orchestra moved to New York City in 1920, where their recordings for the Victor Talking Machine Company brought national fame[2][4][7]. He became known for blending symphonic and popular music with jazz, making the genre accessible to mainstream audiences. Whiteman's arrangements often simplified jazz rhythms and limited improvisation, but his bands were large and featured top musicians, setting a new standard for orchestral jazz[3][4]. His most famous achievement was commissioning George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' in 1924, premiering it with Gershwin as soloist—a landmark event that defined his orchestra's legacy[1][2][3].

Throughout his career, Whiteman hired and promoted many future stars, including Bing Crosby, Bix Beiderbecke, and Mildred Bailey, and produced over 600 recordings[2][5]. He was dubbed the 'King of Jazz' and, despite criticism for his orchestral approach, played a pivotal role in popularizing jazz and big band music in America. Whiteman remained influential for over three decades, shaping the careers of countless musicians and leaving an indelible mark on American music[1][2][5].

Fun Facts

• Whiteman was dubbed the 'King of Jazz' by the press, though his style was more symphonic and less improvisational than traditional jazz[9][3].
• His orchestra's recording of 'Whispering' sold over two and a half million copies, making it one of the first major jazz hits[7].
• Whiteman formed Paul Whiteman, Inc., which managed up to 58 satellite dance bands performing under his name[7].
• He provided music for six Broadway shows and produced more than 600 phonograph recordings during his career[2].

Members

• Buster Johnson - original, trombone (from 1920 until 1920)
• Ross Gorman - clarinet, original (from 1920 until 1923)
• Henry Busse - original, trumpet (from 1920 until 1928)
• Harold McDonald - drums (drum set), original (from 1920 until 1928)
• Ferde Grofé - original, piano (from 1920 until 1932)
• Mike Pingitore - banjo, original (from 1920 until 1939)
• Paul Whiteman - violin (from 1920 until 1954)
• Jack Fulton - background vocals (from 1925 until 1934)
• Jack Fulton - choir vocals (from 1925 until 1934)
• Jack Fulton - lead vocals (from 1925 until 1934)
• Jack Fulton - trombone (from 1925 until 1934)
• Charles Gaylord - background vocals, lead vocals, tenor vocals, violin (from 1926 until 1928)
• Austin “Skin” Young - background vocals (from 1926 until 1929)
• Austin “Skin” Young - choir vocals (from 1926 until 1929)
• Austin “Skin” Young - lead vocals (from 1926 until 1929)
• Roy Bargy - piano (from 1926 until 1940)
• Nye Mayhew - alto saxophone (from 1927 until 1928)
• Nye Mayhew - baritone saxophone (from 1927 until 1928)
• Bix Beiderbecke - cornet (from 1927 until 1929)
• Harry Barris - background vocals, choir vocals, piano (from 1927 until 1930)
• Bing Crosby - background vocals, bass-baritone vocals, choir vocals, lead vocals (from 1927 until 1930)
• Al Rinker - background vocals (from 1927 until 1930)
• Al Rinker - choir vocals (from 1927 until 1930)
• Al Rinker - lead vocals (from 1927 until 1930)
• Mischa Russell - violin (from 1927 until 1937)
• Frankie Trumbauer - saxophone (from 1927 until 1937)
• Matty Malneck - violin (from 1927 until 1938)
• Red Mayer - alto saxophone (from 1928 until 1928)
• Eddie Lang - guitar (from 1928 until 1929)
• Jack Mayhew - clarinet, saxophone (from 1928 until 1929)
• Mike Trafficante - bass, tuba (from 1928 until 1932)
• Frank Signorelli - piano (from 1928 until 1934)
• Peggy Healy - lead vocals (from 1932 until 1935)
• Bob Lawrence - lead vocals (from 1933 until 1937)
• Jack Teagarden - lead vocals (from 1934 until 1939)
• Jack Teagarden - trombone (from 1934 until 1939)
• George Whettling (from 1938 until 1940)
• Lou Paino - drums (drum set)
• Paul Whiteman - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Efrida Whiteman - Mother and early musical influence; opera singer (N/A) [1890s–1900s]
• Paul Whiteman Sr. - Father and music supervisor; guided early music education (N/A) [1890s–1900s]

Key Collaborators

• George Gershwin - Commissioned and premiered 'Rhapsody in Blue' (Rhapsody in Blue (1924)) [1924]
• Ferde Grofé - Arranger and orchestrator for Whiteman's orchestra (Rhapsody in Blue, Grand Canyon Suite) [1920s–1930s]
• Bing Crosby - Vocalist and member of the Rhythm Boys within Whiteman's orchestra (Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys) [1925–1930]
• Bix Beiderbecke - Cornetist and featured soloist in Whiteman's orchestra (Recordings with Whiteman's orchestra) [1927–1929]
• Mildred Bailey - Jazz singer featured in Whiteman's orchestra (Recordings and performances) [1930s]
• Frankie Trumbauer - Saxophonist and key band member (Recordings with Whiteman's orchestra) [1927–1929]
• Eddie Lang - Guitarist and band member (Recordings with Whiteman's orchestra) [Late 1920s]
• Johnny Mercer - Vocalist and songwriter featured with the orchestra (Recordings and performances) [1930s]

Artists Influenced

• Bing Crosby - Launched Crosby's career as a vocalist and entertainer (Early recordings and performances with Whiteman) [1925–1930]
• Hoagy Carmichael - Boosted Carmichael's career by recording his songs (Early recordings of Carmichael's compositions) [1920s]
• Mildred Bailey - Helped establish Bailey as a jazz singer (Recordings and performances with Whiteman) [1930s]
• Johnny Mercer - Supported Mercer's early career as a vocalist and songwriter (Recordings and performances with Whiteman) [1930s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Serenade In Blue (The Complete Capitol Recordings)
2. You Were Never Lovelier (The Complete Capitol Recordings)
3. Ol' Man River (feat. Bing Crosby) (The Essential Bing Crosby)
4. Whispering (Rhapsody in Blue)
5. Sweet and Low Down (Rhapsody in Blue)
6. Its Only A Paper Moon (Rhapsody in Blue)
7. Wang Wang Blues (The Complete Capitol Recordings)
8. 3 O'Clock In The Morning (Rhapsody in Blue)
9. Trav'lin' Light
10. Side by Side (Crosby, Bing: Rhythm King (1926-1930))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #big-band, #dixieland, #jazz