WOODY HERMAN

Biography

Woody Herman, born Woodrow Charles Herman on May 16, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, emerged as one of the most influential and innovative bandleaders in jazz history. His early exposure to show business came from his father’s passion for entertainment, which led Herman to perform as a singer and tap dancer in vaudeville before he began playing clarinet and saxophone by age 12[2][5]. After brief studies at Marquette University, he joined the Tom Gerun band and later performed with orchestras led by Harry Sosnick, Gus Arnheim, and notably Isham Jones, whose band he eventually took over in 1936[2][3][4].

Herman's first major success came with his ensemble, the "Band That Plays the Blues," which gained national attention with the 1939 hit "Woodchopper’s Ball," selling over a million copies and becoming his signature tune[3][5]. Throughout the 1940s, Herman led a succession of bands known as "The Herds," each marked by their progressive approach to big band jazz, incorporating elements of swing, bebop, cool jazz, and Latin rhythms[1][5]. His First Herd was renowned for its tight harmonies and virtuosic solos, while the Second Herd (the "Four Brothers Band") featured future jazz legends like Stan Getz and Zoot Sims[5]. Herman’s willingness to experiment with new sounds and instruments, including the bassoon and French horn, kept his music fresh and relevant through the changing landscape of jazz[5].

Over a career spanning nearly five decades, Woody Herman received multiple Grammy Awards and was celebrated for nurturing young talent, many of whom became major figures in jazz[3]. His legacy is defined by his adaptability, his commitment to musical innovation, and his role as a mentor to generations of jazz musicians. Herman continued performing and teaching into the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of big band and modern jazz[1][2][5].

Fun Facts

• Woody Herman’s theme song, "Woodchopper’s Ball," sold over five million copies, making it one of the biggest jazz hits of its era[5].
• Herman was known for hiring young, up-and-coming musicians, many of whom became jazz legends, earning his bands the reputation of being a 'musician’s university'[5].
• He experimented with unusual jazz instruments, such as the bassoon, oboe, and French horn, expanding the sonic palette of big band jazz[5].
• Herman was awarded multiple Grammy Awards and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame[3][4].

Associated Acts

• Woody Herman and His Orchestra - alto saxophone, clarinet, eponymous, original
• Woody Herman & His Big Band - clarinet, eponymous, lead vocals, original, saxophone
• Woody Herman & His Thundering Herd - clarinet, eponymous, original
• Woody Herman and His Woodchoppers - clarinet, eponymous, original
• Woody Herman & The Four Brothers - eponymous, original
• Harry Sosnik and His Orchestra
• Woody Herman All-Stars - eponymous, original
• The Woody Herman Band - eponymous, original
• Woody Herman's Herd - eponymous, original
• Woody Herman Sextet - eponymous, original
• Woody Herman’s Second Herd - eponymous, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Isham Jones - Herman performed with Jones’ orchestra and later took over the band when Jones retired, inheriting both musical direction and key personnel. (Led the former Isham Jones band (1936–1939)) [1934–1936]

Key Collaborators

• Stan Getz - Tenor saxophonist in Herman’s Second Herd (Four Brothers Band), contributing to its cool jazz sound. (Second Herd recordings) [1947–1949]
• Zoot Sims - Saxophonist in the Second Herd, part of the famous Four Brothers sax section. (Second Herd recordings) [1947–1949]
• Serge Chaloff - Baritone saxophonist in the Second Herd, key member of the Four Brothers. (Second Herd recordings) [1947–1949]
• Herbie Steward - Alto saxophonist in the Second Herd, completing the Four Brothers lineup. (Second Herd recordings) [1947–1949]
• Dizzy Gillespie - Commissioned by Herman to write arrangements for his band, bringing bebop elements into the big band setting. (Three arrangements (1942)) [1942]

Artists Influenced

• Stan Getz - Getz’s early exposure in Herman’s band helped launch his career as a leading figure in cool jazz. (Solo career, cool jazz recordings) [Late 1940s onward]
• Zoot Sims - Sims’ tenure in the Herd shaped his style and reputation as a top jazz saxophonist. (Solo and ensemble recordings) [Late 1940s onward]
• Bill Chase - Trumpeter who played in Herman’s bands and later formed the jazz-rock group Chase. (Chase band, jazz-rock fusion) [1960s–1970s]
• Ralph Burns - Arranger and pianist whose work with Herman influenced his later career in jazz and Broadway. (Arrangements for Herman, later Broadway scores) [1940s onward]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Jazz Me Blues (Verve Jazz Masters 54: Woody Herman)
2. Who Dat Up Dere? (Herman, Woody: Get Your Boots Laced Papa! (1938-1943))
3. La Fiesta (Giant Steps)
4. Don't Get Around Much Anymore (1963)
5. Light My Fire (Keep On Keepin' On)
6. Giant Steps (Giant Steps)
7. 23 Red - Live at Basin Street West, San Francisco - June 1965 (Woody's Winners (Live))
8. LAURA (The Essence of Woody Herman)
9. Laura - 2000 - Remaster (Four Brothers)
10. Who Dat Up Dere? (Herman, Woody: Get Your Boots Laced Papa! (1938-1943))

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #2008-universal-fire-victim, #jazz