Musician. He was an American Big-Band musician and composer of the 1930s and 40s. He played with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, plus he performed with his own bands. He recorded the hit song, "And the Angels Sing" with vocalist Martha Tilton on February 1, 1939. Born Harry Aaron Finkelman, his father was a violinist, and he learned to play that first before learning brass horns. He started playing at Jewish weddings at age 15. As a trumpet player, his big break occurred in September of 1936 when he joined Benny Goodman's swing orchestra, soloing on "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon" and "Fralich In Swing." He started his own band in 1947. By the 1950s, the Big-Band era had started to decline, and he had to seek other means of employment, such as a clerk in a music store and giving trumpet lessons. At age 42, he had his first serious heart attack.
Musician. He was an American Big-Band musician and composer of the 1930s and 40s. He played with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, plus he performed with his own bands. He recorded the hit song, "And the Angels Sing" with vocalist Martha Tilton on February 1, 1939. Born Harry Aaron Finkelman, his father was a violinist, and he learned to play that first before learning brass horns. He started playing at Jewish weddings at age 15. As a trumpet player, his big break occurred in September of 1936 when he joined Benny Goodman's swing orchestra, soloing on "Bei Mir Bist Du Schon" and "Fralich In Swing." He started his own band in 1947. By the 1950s, the Big-Band era had started to decline, and he had to seek other means of employment, such as a clerk in a music store and giving trumpet lessons. At age 42, he had his first serious heart attack.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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