Musician. A trumpeter, he will be best remembered as a member of the ensemble "Blood, Sweat and Tears". In particular, his lively solo on the hit "Spinning Wheel" (1969). Born into a Jewish family, he was raised in Lakewood, New Jersey. He was introduced to music during his early youth and initially learned to play the piano, moving on to the trumpet by the age of ten. A keen interest in jazz was developed after discovering Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge creations in a stack of family record albums. During his teens, he performed with bands at the Catskills in New York and later enrolled at Juilliard Preparatory, followed by his studying at Eastman School of Music. By the mid 1960s, Soloff was an experienced professional, who had stints with Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans. During his tenure with "Blood, Sweat and Tears" (from 1968 until 1973), he earned a Grammy Award for his contributions their 1969 self-titled album which was named "Album of the Year" in 1970. After his departure, he became a much sought-after session musician and live performer. Among the long list of artists he worked with include Frank Sinatra, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. Soloff died from a heart attack.
Musician. A trumpeter, he will be best remembered as a member of the ensemble "Blood, Sweat and Tears". In particular, his lively solo on the hit "Spinning Wheel" (1969). Born into a Jewish family, he was raised in Lakewood, New Jersey. He was introduced to music during his early youth and initially learned to play the piano, moving on to the trumpet by the age of ten. A keen interest in jazz was developed after discovering Louis Armstrong and Roy Eldridge creations in a stack of family record albums. During his teens, he performed with bands at the Catskills in New York and later enrolled at Juilliard Preparatory, followed by his studying at Eastman School of Music. By the mid 1960s, Soloff was an experienced professional, who had stints with Maynard Ferguson, Kenny Dorham and Gil Evans. During his tenure with "Blood, Sweat and Tears" (from 1968 until 1973), he earned a Grammy Award for his contributions their 1969 self-titled album which was named "Album of the Year" in 1970. After his departure, he became a much sought-after session musician and live performer. Among the long list of artists he worked with include Frank Sinatra, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Tony Bennett. Soloff died from a heart attack.
Bio by: C.S.
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