Woody Herman & His Orchestra
Woody Herman – born on May 16, 1913, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin – was one of big band and swing music’s most influential artists. Nominated for many Grammy Awards – and winning three - over the course of his career, Woody Herman steered his orchestra into many different directions, creating music that was comforting while also remaining cutting edge. As a clarinetist, saxophonist, singer and band leader, he came to prominence in the late 1930s. As a child performer, he started as a tap dancer and singer in vaudeville before he started playing the clarinet and saxophone at the age of 12. He later began to perform with orchestras led by Harry Sosnick, Gus Arnheim, and Isham Jones. When Isham Jones, who was a successful songwriter, decided to retire his band in order to enjoy his songwriting royalties, Woody Herman stepped in and, in 1936, Woody Herman and His Orchestra was born. The ensemble was known by many names throughout the years including the Band That Plays the Blues and variations on the name Woody Herman and the Herd (i.e.: Second Herd, Third Herd, Fourth Herd, etc.), the Young Thundering Herd, and others. Woody Herman and His Orchestra scored many hits including “At the Woodchopper’s Ball” (1939), “Blue Flame” (1941), “Blues in the Night” featuring vocals by Woody Herman (1942), “Caldonia” (1945), and “Sabre Dance” (1948). Like most of his contemporaries, the big band and swing groups that had been so important just a few years before saw a downturn in popularity after the end of World War II. However, Woody Herman kept different variations of the band going until his death on October 29, 1987, at the age of 74. During his lifetime, Woody Herman and His Orchestra released hundreds of recordings including singles, EPs, and albums. Three of his albums won Grammy Awards for Best Jazz Performance – Large Group (Instrumental): Encore: Woody Herman 1963, Giant Steps (1973), and Thundering Herd (1974). Since his passing, there have been numerous compilations including Blowin’ Up a Storm: The Columbia Years 1945-47.
©Copyright Music Story Stephen Schnee 2023
Discography
15 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Blowin' Up A Storm: The Columbia Years 1945-1947
Jazz - Released by Columbia - Legacy on 11 Jun 2001
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Big New Herd At The Monterey Jazz Festival (Live at the Monterey Jazz Festival, 1959)
Jazz - Released by Rhino Atlantic on 18 Oct 2005
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Welcome to My Dream
Vocal Jazz - Released by Evergreen on 13 Apr 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Woodchopper's Ball
Jazz - Released by Masterclassics on 20 Feb 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The Woody Herman Collection 1937-56
Jazz - Released by ACROBAT on 10 Oct 2017
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Woody Herman & His Orchestra's Noah
Jazz - Released by Charly Records on 25 Jun 2006
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Laura - 4 Track EP
Jazz - Released by Play Digital on 29 Apr 2010
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Woody Herman
World - Released by Alpha Center Digital on 24 May 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Famous Bands, Vol. 5
Jazz - Released by Firefly Entertainment on 5 May 2008
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Presenting Woody Herman & His Orchestra
Jazz - Released by Universal Digital Enterprises on 1 Mar 1947
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Here Comes the Blues
Jazz - Released by Top Tracks on 30 Oct 2013
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Here Comes The Blues
Jazz - Released by Diamond Days on 5 May 2008
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo