Musician, Trumpet Virtuoso. One of the greatest trumpet players of the 20th century, Rafael Mendez strove to make the trumpet a classical solo instrument. He composed, or arranged, over 300 works featuring the trumpet. His big pure tones, technique and style have never been matched by any other trumpeter. Played in The Rudy Vallee Orchestra. He also played for the Guy Lombardo, Russ Morgan, and Paul Whiteman bands. In 1939, Mendez joined the MGM Orchestra. For the next ten years, his is the big clean sound, which underscored the emotions, or the dance numbers, in many MGM movies. Mendez recorded many classical tunes. His most famous work was the bullfighters theme "La Virgen de la Macarena," and Paganini's "Moto Perpetuo." He wrote the "Scherzo in D Minor for Trumpet." This is one of the foremost works for the instrument. Mendez was a welcome guest star on many TV Variety shows. The F. E. Olds and Son musical instrument co. honored Raphael Mendez by naming their best model trumpet, "The Mendez." Mendez posthumously received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 2, 1983. His star is at 6767 Hollywood Blvd.
Musician, Trumpet Virtuoso. One of the greatest trumpet players of the 20th century, Rafael Mendez strove to make the trumpet a classical solo instrument. He composed, or arranged, over 300 works featuring the trumpet. His big pure tones, technique and style have never been matched by any other trumpeter. Played in The Rudy Vallee Orchestra. He also played for the Guy Lombardo, Russ Morgan, and Paul Whiteman bands. In 1939, Mendez joined the MGM Orchestra. For the next ten years, his is the big clean sound, which underscored the emotions, or the dance numbers, in many MGM movies. Mendez recorded many classical tunes. His most famous work was the bullfighters theme "La Virgen de la Macarena," and Paganini's "Moto Perpetuo." He wrote the "Scherzo in D Minor for Trumpet." This is one of the foremost works for the instrument. Mendez was a welcome guest star on many TV Variety shows. The F. E. Olds and Son musical instrument co. honored Raphael Mendez by naming their best model trumpet, "The Mendez." Mendez posthumously received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 2, 1983. His star is at 6767 Hollywood Blvd.
Bio by: William R. Lynch
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