Jazz Musician. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he learned to play piano as child and toured with various bands as a teenager. He played in the 1930s in the dance bands of Vido Musso and Gus Arnheim, forming his first orchestra in 1941. By 1943, the Stan Kenton Orchestra was signed to Capitol Records and released their first hit "Eager Beaver". Calling his music "progressive jazz," his 1940s songs included "Tampico", "Across the Alley From the Alamo", "Laura" and "The Peanut Vendor". In the 1950s, he toured and concentrated on album projects which included innovative Latin and European styles. By the 1960s, his musical style was often controversial but some of his best works included "Adventures in Jazz" (1962) and "West Side Story" (1963), each winning Grammy Awards. He formed his own label in the 1970s, continued to touring, recording and was a salient figure on the American musical scene until his death.
Jazz Musician. Born in Wichita, Kansas, he learned to play piano as child and toured with various bands as a teenager. He played in the 1930s in the dance bands of Vido Musso and Gus Arnheim, forming his first orchestra in 1941. By 1943, the Stan Kenton Orchestra was signed to Capitol Records and released their first hit "Eager Beaver". Calling his music "progressive jazz," his 1940s songs included "Tampico", "Across the Alley From the Alamo", "Laura" and "The Peanut Vendor". In the 1950s, he toured and concentrated on album projects which included innovative Latin and European styles. By the 1960s, his musical style was often controversial but some of his best works included "Adventures in Jazz" (1962) and "West Side Story" (1963), each winning Grammy Awards. He formed his own label in the 1970s, continued to touring, recording and was a salient figure on the American musical scene until his death.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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