Eldridge, Roy

Eldridge, (David) Roy

(born Jan. 30, 1911, Pittsburgh, Pa., U.S.—died Feb. 26, 1989, Valley Stream, N.Y.) U.S. trumpeter, one of the most vital and creative jazz musicians of the swing era. He was influenced by saxophonists such as Coleman Hawkins and developed a fast, nimble technique matched with harmonic sophistication. He played with Fletcher Henderson (1935–36) and was featured with the big bands of Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw in the 1940s. (A nickname reflecting his stature, “Little Jazz,” was also the title of a record he made with Shaw). The dominant voice on his instrument in the swing style, he exerted a strong influence on bebop musicians.

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Eldridge, (David) Roy “Little Jazz” (1911–89) jazz musician; born in Pittsburgh, Pa. He was a passionate and original stylist and a major influence on trumpeters between 1935–45. He emerged in New York after 1930 as a featured soloist with Teddy Hill and Fletcher Henderson. He led his own band in 1939, and rose to national prominence with Gene Krupa and Artie Shaw in the 1940s. From 1950, he toured regularly with Jazz at the Philharmonic.