Jazz is a source of entertainment for many people around the world. The distinctive sound of the clarinet has been a staple of jazz for decades, and many talented musicians have mastered the instrument. In this article, we take a look at the top 10 legendary jazz clarinetists of all time.
Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman considered the “King of Swing,” is one of the most famous jazz clarinetists of all time. He popularized the clarinet as the main instrument and played with some of the most famous musicians of his time.
Artie Shaw
Artie Shaw was a contemporary of Benny Goodman and a renowned jazz clarinetist.
Woody Herman
Woody Herman is the leader and clarinetist of the famous band The Thundering Herd.
Buddy DeFranco
Buddy DeFranco was a bebop clarinetist who played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.
Eddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels is a contemporary jazz clarinet player who has won multiple Grammy Awards for his work. He has played with a variety of jazz musicians and has also performed classical music.
Jimmy Hamilton
Jimmy Hamilton was a clarinet player for the Duke Ellington Orchestra and was known for his ability to improvise on the instrument. He also played the tenor saxophone and was a talented composer.
Tony Scott
Tony Scott was a jazz clarinet player who played with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Billie Holiday and Charlie Parker. He was also known for his work in world music and played a variety of instruments.
Pee Wee Russell
Pee Wee Russell is a jazz clarinetist whose unique style is influenced by Dixieland and swing. He has worked with some of jazz’s biggest names, including Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke.
Acker Bilk
Acker Bilk was an English clarinetist whose song “Stranger on the Shore” became an instant hit.
Anat Cohen
Anat Cohen is a contemporary jazz clarinetist with multiple awards for her work.
In summary, the clarinet is a vital instrument in the jazz world, and these ten legendary jazz clarinetists left their indelible mark on the genre. Her unique tone and instrumental technique have inspired countless musicians over the years and will continue to influence generations to come.
Photo source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benny_Goodman