Harry Edison facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harry Edison
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Edison in Paris, France, 1980
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| Background information | |
| Born | October 10, 1915 Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Died | July 27, 1999 (aged 83) Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, swing |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Labels | Pacific Jazz, Verve, Roulette, Riverside, Vee-Jay, Liberty, Sue, Black & Blue, Pablo, Storyville, Candid |
| Associated acts | Count Basie Orchestra, Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, Ben Webster, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Lester Young, Buddy Rich, Oscar Peterson |
Harry "Sweets" Edison (born October 10, 1915 – died July 27, 1999) was an amazing American Jazz trumpeter. He was a very important member of the famous Count Basie Orchestra. You might have heard his special muted trumpet sound in many Hollywood movies. He often played backup for famous singers like Frank Sinatra.
Contents
Biography: Harry Edison's Musical Journey
Early Life and First Bands
Harry Edison was born in Columbus, Ohio, United States. He spent his early childhood in Louisville, Kentucky. His uncle helped him discover his love for music. When he was twelve, Harry moved back to Columbus. That's when he started playing the trumpet with local bands.
In 1933, he joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra in Cleveland. After that, he played with the Mills Blue Rhythm Band and Lucky Millinder. These experiences helped him become a skilled musician.
Joining the Count Basie Orchestra
In 1937, Harry moved to New York City. There, he joined the legendary Count Basie Orchestra. This was a huge step in his career. He played alongside other jazz greats like Buck Clayton and Lester Young.
How Harry Got His "Sweets" Nickname
It was Lester Young who gave Harry his famous nickname, "Sweets." Harry explained how it happened in 1956. The band was waiting for their bus in New York. Lester Young was teasing Harry about his "sweet" trumpet playing style. He first called him "Sweetie Pie," which later became "Sweets." This nickname stuck with him for a very long time!
Harry "Sweets" Edison became well-known as a solo trumpet player in the Basie Band. He also wrote and arranged some music for them. You can even see him in the 1944 film Jammin' the Blues.
Life After Basie: A Studio Star
Harry played with Count Basie for thirteen years. The band temporarily broke up in 1950. After that, Harry led his own groups and traveled with "Jazz at the Philharmonic." In the early 1950s, he moved to the West Coast.
He became a very popular studio musician there. This meant he played on recordings for many famous artists. He worked with Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. He often used a special Harmon mute to create his unique trumpet sound.
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1960s and 1970s, Harry continued to play in many orchestras. He appeared on TV shows like Hollywood Palace. He also played for special shows with Frank Sinatra. His trumpet can be heard on the soundtrack of the film Lady Sings the Blues.
From 1973, Harry was the Musical Director for comedian Redd Foxx. He performed in concerts and in Las Vegas. Harry also traveled and performed often in Europe and Japan. He continued playing almost until he passed away. The Los Angeles Jazz Society honored him as their first Tribute Honoree.
Harry Edison passed away from prostate cancer at his home in Columbus, Ohio. He was 83 years old. His amazing trumpet playing left a lasting mark on jazz music.
Selected Music: Harry Edison's Albums
Harry "Sweets" Edison recorded many albums as a leader and with other musicians. His music is a great way to explore the sounds of jazz.
As a Leader
He released several albums where he was the main artist. Some of these include Sweets (1956) and Patented by Edison (1960). He also made albums with other jazz legends like Buddy Rich and Lester Young.
Playing with Other Artists
Harry was a highly sought-after sideman. This means he played on albums led by other musicians. He recorded with many famous artists, including:
His trumpet added a special touch to countless classic recordings.
