Biography
Stan Getz, born Stanley Gayetski on February 2, 1927, in Philadelphia and raised in the Bronx, was an American jazz saxophonist renowned for his warm, lyrical tone, earning him the nickname "The Sound." Drawn to music from a young age, Getz began on harmonica and various instruments before settling on the tenor saxophone. By age 16, he was already performing with Jack Teagarden's band, and soon after played with major swing orchestras led by Stan Kenton, Jimmy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. His breakthrough came as a member of Woody Herman's Second Herd (1947–1949), where his solo on "Early Autumn" and his role in the celebrated "Four Brothers" saxophone section brought him national attention.
Throughout the 1950s, Getz established himself as a leading figure in cool jazz and bebop, collaborating with top musicians and recording prolifically. In the early 1960s, he became a pivotal force in popularizing bossa nova in the United States, notably through his collaborations with Brazilian artists João Gilberto and Antônio Carlos Jobim. The album "Getz/Gilberto" (1964), featuring the hit "The Girl from Ipanema," won multiple Grammy Awards and introduced Brazilian jazz to a global audience. Despite personal struggles with addiction and turbulent relationships, Getz continued to evolve musically, experimenting with new forms and electronics, and remained active as a performer and educator until his death on June 6, 1991.
Getz's legacy endures as one of jazz's most influential tenor saxophonists, admired for his melodic inventiveness and ability to bridge genres. His lyrical style and openness to new influences inspired generations of musicians and left an indelible mark on jazz and popular music.
Fun Facts
- Stan Getz was nicknamed "The Sound" for his exceptionally beautiful saxophone tone.
- He was only 16 years old when he joined Jack Teagarden's band, becoming Teagarden's legal ward due to his age.
- Getz played a crucial role in introducing bossa nova to American audiences, leading to the worldwide hit "The Girl from Ipanema."
- Despite his musical success, Getz struggled with addiction and legal troubles, including a stint in jail in 1953 for narcotics.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lester Young - Getz's primary stylistic influence; inspired his warm, mellow tone. (General influence on Getz's approach to tenor saxophone.) [1940s–1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Woody Herman - Band leader during Getz's rise to prominence; Getz was a featured soloist in the Second Herd. ("Early Autumn," "Four Brothers") [1947–1949]
- João Gilberto - Co-creator of the bossa nova movement in the U.S.; collaborated on landmark recordings. ("Getz/Gilberto" album) [1963–1964]
- Antônio Carlos Jobim - Composer and pianist; worked closely with Getz on bossa nova projects. ("Getz/Gilberto" album) [1963–1964]
- Charlie Byrd - Introduced Getz to Brazilian music; collaborated on the first major U.S. bossa nova record. ("Jazz Samba" album)
- Gary Burton - Formed a pianoless quartet with Getz; recorded together during the bossa nova era. ("Nobody Else But Me" (recorded 1964, released 1994))
- Kenny Barron - Pianist; collaborated with Getz in his final years. ("People Time" duo album)
Artists Influenced
- Michael Brecker - Cited Getz as a major influence on his approach to the tenor saxophone. (General influence on Brecker's jazz recordings.) [1970s–2000s]
- Joshua Redman - Inspired by Getz's tone and melodic phrasing. (General influence on Redman's style.) [1990s–present]
- Diane Schuur - Collaborated with Getz, who mentored and accompanied her on Grammy-winning recordings. ("Timeless" album)
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition) | 1964-03-01 | Album |
| Jazz Samba Encore! | 1963 | Album |
| The Girl From Ipanema - The Bossa Nova Years | 1989-01-01 | Album |
| Jazz Samba | 1962-01-01 | Album |
| Stan Getz & Bill Evans | 1973-03-01 | Album |
| Getz/Gilberto | 1964-03-01 | Album |
| Recorded Fall '61 | 1961-01-01 | Album |
| The Essential Stan Getz: The Getz Songbook | 1992-11-03 | Album |
| Nobody Else But Me | 1994-09-27 | Album |
| Getz/Gilberto #2 | 1964 | Album |
| Stan Getz Plays | 1958-01-01 | Album |
| Stan Getz And The Oscar Peterson Trio | 1957-01-01 | Album |
| Getz For Lovers | 2002-01-14 | Album |
Top Tracks
- The Girl From Ipanema (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars) (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- Só Danço Samba (Jazz Samba Encore!)
- The Girl From Ipanema - Single Version (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- Para Machuchar Meu Coracao (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- Corcovado (Quiet Nights Of Quiet Stars) - Single Version (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- Desafinado (Getz/Gilberto (Expanded Edition))
- A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square (Recorded Fall '61)
- The Girl From Ipanema (The Girl From Ipanema - The Bossa Nova Years)
- But Beautiful (Stan Getz & Bill Evans)
External Links
Tags: #avant-garde-jazz, #bebop, #bossa-nova
References
Heard on WWOZ
STAN GETZ has been played 18 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.