The trombone is a brass instrument that has a distinctive slide mechanism used to change pitch. It has been an integral part of orchestras, jazz bands, and other ensembles for centuries. Many talented musicians have made a name for themselves by mastering the trombone, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. In this article, we will explore the lives and achievements of 20 famous trombone players who have made significant contributions to the world of music.
These legendary trombonists come from different eras and genres, ranging from classical to jazz and beyond. They have not only demonstrated technical mastery but have also inspired generations of aspiring musicians. From Tommy Dorsey, who became a household name in the 1930s and 1940s with his big band, to J.J. Johnson, who is considered one of the most influential trombonists in jazz history, each musician on this list has a unique story and style.
Moreover, we will dive into the musical journeys of contemporary trombonists such as Wycliffe Gordon, who has been a part of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and Natalie Cressman, who has collaborated with prominent bands such as Trey Anastasio Band and Phish. With their unique voices and virtuosity, these trombonists have pushed the boundaries of the instrument, proving that the trombone is not just an accompaniment but can also be a lead instrument.
In summary, this article celebrates the trombone and its virtuosos by highlighting the lives and achievements of 20 famous trombone players. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or a trombonist yourself, this article offers a glimpse into the incredible history and legacy of this iconic instrument.
1. Tommy Dorsey
Tommy Dorsey was an American jazz trombonist, bandleader, and composer. He is considered one of the most important figures in the big band era, known for his smooth, melodic style and technical virtuosity. He played with his brother Jimmy Dorsey in various bands before forming his own orchestra in the 1930s. The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra had a string of hits, including “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” and “Marie,” and featured vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford. Dorsey continued to perform and record until his death in 1956, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest trombonists and bandleaders of all time.
2. J.J. Johnson
J.J. Johnson was an American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is considered one of the most influential trombonists in jazz history, known for his technical proficiency and innovative use of the instrument. Johnson played with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, and Charlie Parker, and helped pioneer the bebop style of jazz. He also composed and arranged music for film and television, including the score for the 1960 film “The Connection.” Johnson continued to perform and record until his death in 2001, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the most important figures in jazz.
3. Glenn Miller
Glenn Miller was an American big band musician, arranger, and composer. He formed his own orchestra in the 1930s, which quickly became one of the most popular and successful bands of the swing era. Miller’s band had a unique sound, characterized by its tightly arranged harmonies and use of clarinet and saxophone sections. They had numerous hits, including “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” which became some of the most iconic songs of the era. Miller joined the Army Air Forces during World War II and tragically disappeared while flying to France in 1944.
4. Wycliffe Gordon
Wycliffe Gordon is an American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is known for his versatility and virtuosity on the trombone, as well as his ability to blend traditional and modern jazz styles. Gordon has performed with a wide range of jazz musicians, including Wynton Marsalis, Dizzy Gillespie, and Paul Simon, and has released numerous albums as a bandleader. He is also a dedicated music educator, having taught at the Juilliard School and served as a visiting professor at several universities. Gordon is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative trombonists of his generation.
5. Curtis Fuller
Curtis Fuller was an American jazz trombonist and composer. He began his career playing with various bands in Detroit before joining the Jazz Messengers led by Art Blakey in the late 1950s. Fuller was known for his technical proficiency on the trombone and his ability to incorporate bebop and hard bop styles into his playing. He released numerous albums as a bandleader, including “The Opener” and “Crankin’,” and also worked as a sideman with prominent jazz musicians such as John Coltrane and Miles Davis. Fuller continued to perform and record until his death in 2021, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest trombonists in jazz history.
6. Slide Hampton
Slide Hampton is an American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger. He is known for his ability to blend traditional and modern jazz styles, as well as his proficiency on the trombone and his innovative use of harmony and rhythm. Hampton has played with many prominent jazz musicians, including Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, and Dizzy Gillespie, and has released numerous albums as a bandleader. He is also a highly respected educator and has taught at several universities and conservatories, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the Manhattan School of Music. Hampton is widely regarded as one of the most talented and influential trombonists of his generation.
7. Frank Rosolino
Frank Rosolino was an American jazz trombonist known for his virtuosic playing style and ability to improvise in a variety of musical genres. He played with big bands such as Stan Kenton and toured with Frank Sinatra, but also worked as a studio musician for television and film. Rosolino was highly regarded for his technical mastery of the trombone, and his ability to play fast, complex lines with precision and clarity. He tragically committed suicide in 1978, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential jazz trombonists of his time.
8. Steve Turre
Steve Turre is an American jazz trombonist and conch shell player. He is known for his eclectic musical style, which incorporates elements of jazz, Latin music, and R&B. Turre has played with a wide range of jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Charles, and Art Blakey, and has released numerous albums as a bandleader. He is also known for his use of the conch shell as a musical instrument, which he incorporates into his live performances and recordings. Turre is widely regarded as one of the most talented and innovative trombonists of his generation.
9. Kai Winding
Kai Winding was a Danish-born American jazz trombonist and composer. He is known for his pioneering work in the development of cool jazz and his collaborations with other prominent jazz musicians, including J.J. Johnson and Benny Goodman. Winding’s playing style was characterized by his smooth, melodic sound and his use of harmonies and counterpoint. He had numerous hits as a bandleader, including “More,” and was also a prolific recording artist, appearing on countless albums as a sideman. Winding continued to perform and record until his death in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential trombonists in jazz history.
10. Al Grey
Al Grey was an American jazz trombonist known for his distinctive playing style and humorous stage persona. He played with a number of big bands, including those led by Benny Carter, Lionel Hampton, and Count Basie. Grey was known for his use of mutes and his ability to play with a wide range of dynamics and timbres. He also collaborated with other jazz musicians, including saxophonist Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, and released numerous albums as a bandleader. Grey continued to perform and record until his death in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and unique trombonists in jazz history.
11. Bill Watrous
Bill Watrous was an American jazz trombonist known for his technical virtuosity and innovative playing style. He began his career playing in big bands and later went on to work as a studio musician, playing on recordings for artists such as Barbra Streisand and Frank Sinatra. Watrous was highly regarded for his ability to play fast, complex lines with ease and his use of extended techniques, such as circular breathing. He also released numerous albums as a bandleader and collaborated with other prominent jazz musicians, including saxophonist Stan Getz. Watrous passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential trombonists of his time.
12. Bob Brookmeyer
Bob Brookmeyer was an American jazz trombonist, pianist, and composer. He began his career playing with big bands, including those led by Benny Goodman and Stan Getz, before forming his own groups in the 1950s. Brookmeyer was known for his use of harmonies and his innovative approaches to jazz improvisation, such as his use of melodic cells. He also composed music for film and television, including the score for the 1970 film “The Owl and the Pussycat.” Brookmeyer continued to perform and record until his death in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most innovative and influential trombonists in jazz history.
13. Urbie Green
Urbie Green was an American jazz trombonist known for his smooth, lyrical playing style and his technical proficiency on the instrument. He began his career playing with big bands, including those led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, before becoming a sought-after studio musician in New York City. Green was highly regarded for his ability to play fast, intricate lines with ease and his use of harmonies and dynamics. He also released numerous albums as a bandleader and collaborated with other prominent jazz musicians, including saxophonist Stan Getz. Green passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented and influential trombonists in jazz history.
14. George Lewis
George Lewis was an American jazz clarinetist and bandleader known for his traditional New Orleans jazz style. He played with a number of prominent jazz musicians in the 1940s and 1950s, including Kid Ory and Bunk Johnson, before forming his own band in the 1950s. Lewis’ band, which included many of the top New Orleans jazz musicians of the time, became one of the most popular jazz acts in the country. Lewis continued to perform and record until his death in 1968, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important figures in the development of New Orleans jazz.
15. Grachan Moncur III
Grachan Moncur III is an American jazz trombonist and composer known for his innovative style and use of avant-garde techniques. He was a key figure in the 1960s free jazz movement and worked with some of the genre’s most prominent musicians, including Archie Shepp and Jackie McLean. Moncur’s compositions often feature complex rhythms and harmonies, incorporating elements of blues, bebop, and modern classical music. He is also known for his use of electronic effects and extended techniques, such as multiphonics and vocalizations, to create unique textures and sounds. Moncur’s contributions to the jazz world have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following among jazz enthusiasts.
16. Conrad Herwig
Conrad Herwig is an American jazz trombonist and educator. He has recorded over 20 albums as a bandleader and has worked with notable musicians such as Joe Henderson, Eddie Palmieri, and Tito Puente. Herwig is also a professor of jazz studies at Rutgers University and has authored several books on jazz improvisation. He is known for his powerful sound and use of extended techniques, such as multiphonics and circular breathing, to push the boundaries of the trombone. Herwig’s style blends bebop, Latin, and avant-garde influences, resulting in a sound that is both sophisticated and soulful. He continues to be a prominent figure in the jazz community, performing and recording with various groups and collaborating with up-and-coming musicians.
17. Fred Wesley
Fred Wesley is an American jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger known for his work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic. He is recognized as one of the architects of funk music, developing a unique style that blends jazz improvisation with rhythm and blues. Wesley’s innovative use of syncopation and percussive techniques has influenced countless musicians in the genre. He has released several albums as a bandleader and continues to perform and record with various groups.
18. Robin Eubanks
Robin Eubanks is an American jazz trombonist and composer. He has worked with a wide range of musicians, from Michael Brecker to Stevie Wonder. Eubanks is known for his virtuosic technique and improvisational skills, blending traditional jazz with elements of funk, hip-hop, and world music. He has released several critically acclaimed albums as a bandleader and is a professor of jazz studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Eubanks is also recognized for his work with the group SFJAZZ Collective, which features some of the most prominent jazz musicians of our time.
19. Jim Pugh
Jim Pugh is an American jazz trombonist, arranger, and composer. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Steely Dan, Paul Simon, and Michael Jackson. Pugh has also recorded with jazz legends such as Woody Herman, Buddy Rich, and Dizzy Gillespie. In addition to his performance career, he is a respected educator and has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, the New England Conservatory, and the University of Illinois. Pugh has also released several albums as a bandleader and continues to be an influential figure in the jazz community. His style blends elements of swing, bebop, and modern jazz, resulting in a sound that is both traditional and forward-thinking.
20. Joseph Alessi
Joseph Alessi is an American trombonist who currently serves as principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic. He is also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, having performed with numerous orchestras and ensembles around the world. Alessi has won multiple awards for his performances, including the International Trombone Association’s Award of Excellence and the National Brass Symposium’s Solo Competition. In addition to his performance career, he is a respected teacher and has served on the faculties of the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music. Alessi has also released several solo albums, showcasing his virtuosic technique and musicality. His playing style blends technical precision with lyrical expression, resulting in a sound that is both powerful and emotive.
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