Don Hassler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Hassler
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Donald E. Hassler |
| Origin | American |
| Died | August 20, 2013 (aged 84) Mesa, Arizona |
| Genres | Jazz, swing |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, musician, A&R representative |
| Instruments | Saxophone, bassoon |
Don Hassler (born June 6, 1929 – died August 20, 2013) was an American musician, composer, and a person who helped find new music talent. He was famous for playing in jazz bands and big orchestras, where he played the saxophone and bassoon. He also spent 17 years playing in military bands, even leading one of them.
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Early Life and Education
Don Hassler was born on June 6, 1929. He loved music from a young age. He started playing music in the fifth grade and continued throughout his school years.
He went to Northwestern University and earned a degree in music theory in 1950. Music theory is about how music is put together. Much later, when he was 71 years old, he earned another degree from Arizona State University. This degree was in musical performance, which means he studied how to play music.
Music Career
Don Hassler had a long and interesting career in music. He worked in radio, for a big record company, and even led military bands.
Working in Radio
After finishing college, Hassler joined the staff at WMAQ radio in Chicago. He worked as a record librarian, which meant he organized all the music records. He also helped plan what music would be played on the radio.
At Capitol Records
Later, Don Hassler started working for Capitol Records. This is a very famous music company. He began as a salesman in Chicago. During this time, he helped promote the popular Bozo the Clown children's series. He even brought Bozo to radio stations and special events.
In 1955, Capitol Records moved him to Los Angeles. There, he became a promotions manager and sales executive. He also worked as an A&R representative. An A&R representative helps find new musical artists and works with them to create albums. He worked with famous musicians like Stan Kenton. When the Capitol Tower building opened in 1956, Don Hassler was a tour guide on the first day. He worked in his office in the Tower until 1961.
Later Music Work
In the 1960s, Hassler worked in the electronics and music business. He helped with companies that made things like amplifiers, car stereos, and tape players. In the 1970s and 1980s, he opened and managed stores that sold home electronics in the Phoenix area.
In the late 1980s, he started writing music arrangements for bands and orchestras. He also performed in many different bands. He played the bassoon in the Tempe Symphony Orchestra. He also played the saxophone in local jazz bands. Some of these bands included Bergie Crandall and his Let's Dance Band.
Military Service
Don Hassler also served in the military for 17 years as a musician.
Joining the National Guard
In 1948, Hassler joined the Illinois National Guard in Chicago. He became a master sergeant and associate conductor in 1952. Later, he became a warrant officer and bandmaster.
Leading Military Bands
In 1955, he moved to Los Angeles. He joined the Army Reserve 63rd Division. He became the chief warrant officer, bandmaster, and conductor. Eventually, he became the commander of the 63rd Infantry Division Band. While he was in charge, his band recorded military marches for Armed Forces Radio. He was promoted to first lieutenant and then captain. In 1962, he left the Army Reserve band. He then transferred to a different Army unit that worked with overseas radio stations. He was the band leader there until he left the Army in 1965.
Community Involvement
Don Hassler was also involved in his community. He was a member of the Hollywood Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) in 1956. This group helps young people develop leadership skills. From 1958 to 1959, he served as the president of the Hollywood Jaycees.
