A key bridge between the swing era and the emergence of bebop, Roy Eldridge played an invaluable role in the development of jazz trumpet with his unique combination of melody, harmony, and rhythm. Often cited as a significant influence on later greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis, Eldridge's groundbreaking improvisational style proved highly influential and earned him the nickname "Little Jazz." Through his pioneering work, both as a soloist and with bands like Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge remains a towering figure in the annals of trumpet history.
More Roy Eldridge
- #14 of 20 onThe Greatest Swing Jazz Musicians of All Time
- #26 of 67 onThe Best Big Bands of All Time
- #46 of 60 onThe Best Swing Bands/Artists of All Time
As one of the foremost classical trumpeters of her generation, Alison Balsom has captivated audiences around the world with her virtuosic playing, impeccable technique, and engaging stage presence. Frequently lauded for her ability to bring new life to even the most familiar repertoire, Balsom's work as a recording artist, soloist, and educator has left an indelible mark on the world of classical trumpet. Through her tireless dedication to her craft, she continues to inspire countless aspiring musicians, proving that the future of the trumpet is indeed bright.
A consummate professional in the world of jazz and big band trumpet playing, Bobby Shew's incredible talent and versatility have earned him a place among the greats. Known for his warm tone, impeccable articulation, and skillful improvisation, Shew's career has spanned decades, including stints with ensembles like Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. As a passionate educator, he has shared his wealth of knowledge with countless students and emerging artists, ensuring that his influence on the trumpet world will endure.
A true innovator of the trumpet, Art Farmer's originality and lyricism on the instrument left a profound impact on the jazz world. Known for his elegant sound and melodic inventiveness, Farmer's work as a bandleader and sideman alongside legends like Horace Silver, Gerry Mulligan, and Benny Golson solidified his status as a musical force to be reckoned with. With a career spanning five decades, Art Farmer's incredible musicianship and lasting influence on the trumpet will not soon be forgotten.
As one of the earliest pioneers of jazz trumpet, Bix Beiderbecke's innovative style, melodic inventiveness, and unique approach to harmony remain influential to this day. A contemporary of Louis Armstrong, Beiderbecke's cool and introspective playing stood in contrast to the fiery virtuosity of his peers, setting the stage for future developments in the genre. Despite a tragically short career, his groundbreaking work with ensembles like the Wolverines and the Paul Whiteman Orchestra ensured his lasting impact on the world of trumpet playing.
More Bix Beiderbecke- #433 of 1,150 onThe Greatest Musical Artists Of All Time, Ranked
- #1 of 59 onThe Greatest Cornetists of All Time
- #5 of 20 onThe Best Cornetists in the World
Norwegian trumpeter Ole Edvard Antonsen is renowned for his virtuosity, elegance, and diverse repertoire, making him one of the elite classical trumpeters of his generation. With a career that includes highly acclaimed performances with orchestras around the world, Antonsen has left an indelible mark on the world of classical trumpet. As an educator, he has shared his expertise with countless aspiring musicians, solidifying his status as an influential figure in the trumpet world.
Austrian trumpeter Thomas Gansch has garnered a reputation as an innovative and versatile musician, known for his exceptional talents in both the classical and jazz genres. As a founding member of the unique brass ensemble Mnozil Brass, Gansch showcases his impressive range, artistry, and comedic flair, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. A true trailblazer in the world of trumpet, his creativity, and passion for the instrument continue to inspire musicians and fans alike.
A seminal figure in the development of bebop, Fats Navarro's virtuosic trumpet playing, intricate phrasing, and fearless improvisational style helped to define a new era in jazz. As a key collaborator with legends like Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Navarro's innovative approach to harmony and rhythm left an indelible mark on the trumpet world. Though his life was tragically cut short, his pioneering contributions to the genre continue to inspire and influence trumpeters to this day.
As a celebrated composer, arranger, and trumpeter, Thad Jones played an invaluable role in the evolution of modern jazz. Known for his inventive playing style and pioneering work as co-leader of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, Jones' contributions to the world of trumpet cannot be overstated. With an impressive catalog of recordings and compositions to his name, his innovative spirit and musicianship continue to inspire and influence future generations of trumpet players.
Hailing from Norway, Tine Thing Helseth has quickly established herself as one of the brightest young talents in the world of classical trumpet. Known for her expressive playing, stunning technique, and diverse repertoire, Helseth continually captivates audiences on the international stage, showcasing her mastery of the instrument. As an advocate for contemporary music, she frequently commissions and premieres new works, ensuring that her influence on the trumpet world will continue to grow.
An esteemed musician across a wide range of genres, Lew Soloff's incredible versatility, impeccable technique, and boundless creativity earned him a place among the greatest trumpeters of all time. Best known for his work with the legendary jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears, Soloff's talents extended across the worlds of big band, classical, and even pop music. As an educator and stalwart of the New York City music scene, his influence and passion for the trumpet will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
A vital force in the modern jazz scene, Terence Blanchard's soulful and innovative trumpet playing has won him widespread acclaim and numerous accolades. As a composer, his groundbreaking work in film scores—most notably with director Spike Lee—has further expanded his impact on the world of music. With an extensive discography and a dedication to nurturing new talent, Blanchard's influence on the trumpet is undeniable.
More Terence Blanchard- #30 of 63 onThe Best Trumpeters in the World
- #137 of 153 onThe Best Hard Bop Bands
- #202 of 227 onFamous Jazz Trumpeters
With a career that spanned over seven decades, Snooky Young's powerful lead trumpet playing and innovative use of mutes made him a sought-after musician within the realms of big band and jazz. As a mainstay of ensembles led by legends such as Count Basie, Lionel Hampton, and Doc Severinsen, Young's unmistakable sound and extraordinary talent earned him a well-deserved place among the greats of trumpet history.
A titan within the realm of studio and commercial trumpet playing, British musician Derek Watkins was widely regarded as one of the finest trumpet players of his time. Boasting an incredible career that included performances on every James Bond film soundtrack from 1962 to 2012, Watkins' exceptional technique, versatility, and musicianship earned him a well-deserved place among the greats. As a sought-after performer and pedagogue, his legacy and impact on the world of trumpet will continue to inspire for years to come.
With a career spanning over five decades, Chuck Findley's extraordinary trumpet playing has left a lasting mark on the world of music. Renowned for his versatility, precision, and seemingly effortless high-register playing, Findley has been a highly sought-after musician in the realms of jazz, pop, and film scores. Having performed alongside legends like Frank Sinatra, Steely Dan, and Michael Jackson, his exceptional musicianship and dedication to his craft have solidified his place among the all-time greats of the trumpet world.
A vital figure in the development of bebop and hard bop, Kenny Dorham's lyrical approach to the trumpet, along with his exceptional technique, earned him recognition as one of the great jazz trumpeters of the 20th century. As a member of legendary ensembles like Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and the Max Roach Quintet, Dorham's innovative playing style influenced generations of musicians that followed. With classic recordings such as "Una Noche con Francis" and "Blue Bossa," his impact on the world of trumpet remains profound.
As a master of the hard bop genre, trumpeter Blue Mitchell left an indelible mark on the world of jazz with his soulful tone and exceptional ability to convey emotion through his instrument. A key collaborator of artists such as Horace Silver, John Coltrane, and Hank Mobley, Mitchell's melodic sensibility and precise technique solidified his place among the greats of 20th-century trumpet playing. Through recordings like "Step Lightly" and "The Cup Bearers," his enduring influence on contemporary trumpet players remains evident.
As a distinguished trumpeter, composer, and bandleader, Nat Adderley's impressive body of work showcased his versatility and innovation within the world of jazz. Often performing alongside his brother, saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Nat's warm tone and dynamic solos captivated audiences and set him apart as an influential figure in the trumpet world. Known for his compositions like "Work Song" and "Jive Samba," Adderley's talents extended far beyond the trumpet, leaving a lasting legacy within the world of jazz.
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Eric Miyashiro
Known for his incredible range, power, and precision, Japanese trumpeter Eric Miyashiro has become a force to be reckoned with in the worlds of jazz, pop, and commercial music. As a sought-after session musician and soloist, Miyashiro's unparalleled control of the instrument has made him a highly respected figure in the trumpet world. With a dedication to sharing his knowledge through education and numerous recordings, his influence on future generations of trumpeters is assured.
Throughout a career spanning over six decades, Tom Harrell has consistently impressed audiences and critics alike with his innovative trumpet playing, exceptional technique, and prolific output as a composer and bandleader. Known for his warm tone and distinctive style that seamlessly blends elements of bebop, hard bop, and post-bop, Harrell's contributions to the world of jazz have solidified his place as one of the foremost trumpet players in history. A true master of his instrument, his influence on the music world shows no signs of abating.
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Andrea Motis
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Buck Clayton
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Red Allen
- 54
Erskine Hawkins
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Wallace Davenport
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Clora Bryant
- Herb Alpert (born March 31, 1935) is an American jazz musician most associated with the group variously known as Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass, Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass, or TJB. Alpert is also a recording industry executive, the "A" of A&M Records, a recording label he and business partner Jerry Moss founded and eventually sold to PolyGram. Alpert also has created abstract expressionist paintings and sculpture over two decades, which are publicly displayed on occasion. Alpert and his wife, Lani Hall, are substantial philanthropists through the operation of the Herb Alpert Foundation. Alpert's musical accomplishments include five No. 1 albums and 28 albums total on the Billboard Album chart, nine Grammy Awards, fourteen platinum albums, and fifteen gold albums. Alpert has sold 72 million records worldwide. Alpert is the only recording artist to hit No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop chart as both a vocalist ("This Guy's in Love with You", 1968) and an instrumentalist ("Rise", 1979).More Herb Alpert
- #183 of 239 onEvery Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee, Ranked
- #25 of 63 onThe Best Trumpeters in the World
- #8 of 40 onOld Singers You Didn't Realize Are Still Alive
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Ryan Anthony
Ryan Anthony is an American trumpet player, most notable for his performances as a member of Canadian Brass, and his role as principal trumpet in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. - Charles Frank Mangione (; born November 29, 1940) is an American flugelhorn player, trumpeter and composer. He was a member of Art Blakey's band and co-led the Jazz Brothers with his brother, Gap. He achieved international success in 1977 with his jazz-pop single "Feels So Good". Mangione has released more than 30 albums since 1960.More Chuck Mangione
- #39 of 87 onThe Best One-Hit Wonders of the 1970s
- #23 of 63 onThe Best Trumpeters in the World
- #81 of 121 onThe 100+ Greatest Jazz Musicians, Ranked
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Ronald Romm
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