Edward "Kid" Ory was a Louisiana French-speaking jazz trombonist and bandleader. He was born on Woodland Plantation, near LaPlace, Louisiana.
Walter Maynard Ferguson CM was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He came to prominence in Stan Kenton's orchestra before forming his own big band in 1957. He was noted for his bands, which often served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent, his versatility on several instruments, and his ability to play in a high register.
Frank Wellington Wess was an American jazz saxophonist and flautist. In addition to his extensive solo work, Wess is remembered for his time in Count Basie's band from the early 1950s into the 1960s. Critic Scott Yannow described him as one of the premier proteges of Lester Young, and a leading jazz flautist of his era—using the latter instrument to bring new colors to Basie's music.
John Haley "Zoot" Sims was an American jazz saxophonist, playing mainly tenor but also alto saxophone. He first gained attention in the "Four Brothers" sax section of Woody Herman's big band, afterward enjoying a long solo career, often in partnership with fellow saxmen Gerry Mulligan and Al Cohn.
Harry "Sweets" Edison was an American jazz trumpeter and a member of the Count Basie Orchestra.
Barney Kessel was an American jazz guitarist born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Noted in particular for his knowledge of chords and inversions and chord-based melodies, he was a member of many prominent jazz groups as well as a "first call" guitarist for studio, film, and television recording sessions. Kessel was a member of the group of session musicians informally known as the Wrecking Crew.
Frank Rosolino was an American jazz trombonist.
Paul Gonsalves was an American jazz tenor saxophonist best known for his association with Duke Ellington. At the 1956 Newport Jazz Festival, Gonsalves played a 27-chorus solo in the middle of Ellington's "Diminuendo and Crescendo in Blue," a performance credited with revitalizing Ellington's waning career in the 1950s.
Pete Candoli was an American jazz trumpeter and the brother of trumpeter Conte Candoli. He played with the big bands of Woody Herman and Stan Kenton and worked in the studios of the recording and television industries.
Pietro "Pete" Rugolo was an American jazz composer, arranger and record producer.
Terry Gibbs is an American jazz vibraphonist and band leader.
"Too Close for Comfort" is a popular song by Jerry Bock, George David Weiss, and Larry Holofcener.
Al Cohn was an American jazz saxophonist, arranger and composer. He came to prominence in the band of clarinetist Woody Herman and was known for his longtime musical partnership with fellow saxophonist Zoot Sims.
Frank Benjamin Foster III was an American tenor and soprano saxophonist, flautist, arranger, and composer. Foster collaborated frequently with Count Basie and worked as a bandleader from the early 1950s. In 1998, Howard University awarded Frank Foster with the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award.
Louis Hayes is an American jazz drummer and band leader.
Julius Watkins was an American jazz musician, and one of the first French horn players in jazz. He won the Down Beat critics poll in 1960 and 1961 for "miscellaneous instrument" with French horn named as the instrument.
Britt Woodman was an American jazz trombonist. He is best known for his work with Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus.
Daniel Eugene Quill was an American jazz alto saxophonist who played often with Phil Woods in the duet Phil and Quill. Quill also worked as a sideman for Buddy DeFranco, Quincy Jones, Gene Krupa, Gerry Mulligan, and Claude Thornhill. In 1988, Quill died at the age of 60 in his hometown of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Frank Rehak was a jazz trombonist. He started on piano and cello before switching to trombone. He was a member of the Gil Evans band and worked with fellow member Miles Davis. He also appeared with Davis on the broadcast "The Sounds of Miles Davis."
Samuel Aaron Bell was an American jazz double-bassist.
