Ferguson, Maynard

Ferguson, Maynard

(born May 4, 1928, Montreal, Que., Can.) Canadian trumpeter and bandleader. Ferguson led a big band with his brother in his native Montreal while still a teenager. Moving to the U.S. in 1948, he performed with Jimmy Dorsey (1904–57), Charles Barnet, and Stan Kenton before forming his own big band in 1956. He became known for his mastery of the trumpet's highest register. His recording of “Gonna Fly Now” from the film Rocky brought him commercial success in 1978. A versatile, energetic performer (he also plays many of the woodwind and lower brass instruments), he has inspired brass players for decades with his strong tone and sure technique.