Jazz Musician. He was a self-taught pianist from Crystal Lake, Minnesota who became a popular jazz composer, musician and arranger. His love for music was honed by growing up listening to big band music on the radio. During World War II he became a music arranger for a military band that traveled the West Coast to increase the sale of war bonds. After the war he moved to Los Angeles where he organized and directed his own jazz band and toured with singer Anita O’Day. In 1950 he moved to New York where he arranged music for such stars as Buddy Rich and Stan Kenton. He released two critically acclaimed albums in the 1950’s, “Bix Duke Fats” and “Wednesday's Child”. After a hiatus from music, he returned to Hollywood in the 1970’s and wrote theme songs for television shows including the dramas “Serpico” and “Emergency”. His recording career was revived in 1991 with the release of “Duke's Domain” and a re-issue of many of his earlier albums. He died in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke.
Jazz Musician. He was a self-taught pianist from Crystal Lake, Minnesota who became a popular jazz composer, musician and arranger. His love for music was honed by growing up listening to big band music on the radio. During World War II he became a music arranger for a military band that traveled the West Coast to increase the sale of war bonds. After the war he moved to Los Angeles where he organized and directed his own jazz band and toured with singer Anita O’Day. In 1950 he moved to New York where he arranged music for such stars as Buddy Rich and Stan Kenton. He released two critically acclaimed albums in the 1950’s, “Bix Duke Fats” and “Wednesday's Child”. After a hiatus from music, he returned to Hollywood in the 1970’s and wrote theme songs for television shows including the dramas “Serpico” and “Emergency”. His recording career was revived in 1991 with the release of “Duke's Domain” and a re-issue of many of his earlier albums. He died in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke.
Bio by: Bigwoo
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