Herman, Woody

Herman, Woody

 orig. Woodrow Charles Herman

(born May 16, 1913, Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.—died Oct. 29, 1987, Los Angeles, Calif.) U.S. clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and leader of one of the most popular big bands in jazz. Herman formed his first band in 1936. Known as “The Band That Plays the Blues,” the group had a hit in 1939 with “Woodchopper's Ball.” His 1940s bands, the Thundering Herds, evolved into powerful and colourful ensembles that combined a light rhythm-section sound with explosive, forward-looking arrangements. He led his bands almost continuously for more than 50 years, and in them many notable jazz musicians gained early professional exposure.

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Herman, (Woodrow Charles) Woody (1913–1987) jazz musician; born in Milwaukee, Wis. He was a clarinetist and singer who began his career with the Isham Jones Band in 1934 and assumed its leadership two years later. Regrouping in the early 1940s, he led a succession of "Herds," the first of which premiered Stravinsky's "Ebony Concerto" in 1946. The Second Herd, or "Four Brothers" band of 1947–48, included Stan Getz and other promising modernists. He continued to lead ensembles of various sizes until his death.