Buddy DeFranco, one of the world's greatest jazz clarinetists, died Wednesday, Dec. 24. He leaves behind a musical legacy that lasted more than 70 years, playing in bands led by Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie in addition to performing with Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra. DeFranco was 91.
The musician got his start in the late 1930s, bouncing around from band to band, NPR noted. He hooked up with Dorsey in 1944. DeFranco played with the band for four years before he decided to break out of swing music, opting instead for bebop, a difficult genre for a clarinetist to shine in. He toured with Basie to finish out the 1940s.
DeFranco formed his own band in the '50s before joining Holiday for a European jaunt. As rock 'n' roll started gaining momentum, the musician did work for TV and film until he landed a gig fronting the Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1966. He continued to play well into his 80s. According to The Washington Post, DeFranco played on more than 160 albums.
"Everybody that listens to something hears it differently from their own perspective. And you can't please everyone. Don't even try. Please yourself first and then try to please those people around you that you feel know what you're doing," DeFranco said.
The University of Montana holds a concert every year in honor of the revered clarinet player. The Buddy DeFranco Jazz Festival takes place in March and will feature the talents of Steve Owen, Barry Long and Paul McKee, among others.
DeFranco is survived by his wife Joyce.
Readers: What is your fondest memory of DeFranco? Do you still have any of his albums? Have you ever seen him perform live? Which of his performances is your favorite and why? Let us know what you think down in the comments section.
