Maynard Ferguson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Maynard Ferguson
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| Birth name | Walter Maynard Ferguson |
| Born | May 4, 1928 Verdun, Quebec, Canada |
| Died | August 23, 2006 (aged 78) Ventura, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1939–2006 |
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Walter Maynard Ferguson CM (born May 4, 1928 – died August 23, 2006) was a famous Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He became well-known while playing with Stan Kenton's orchestra. Later, in 1957, he started his own big band. Maynard Ferguson was known for his amazing ability to play very high notes on the trumpet. He was also famous for his bands, which helped many young, talented musicians get their start. Plus, he could play many different instruments!
Contents
Biography: The Life of a Jazz Legend
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Maynard Ferguson was born in Verdun, Quebec (now part of Montreal), Canada. His parents were both musicians, and they encouraged him from a young age. He started playing piano and violin when he was just four years old. At nine, he heard a cornet in church and wanted one.
By age thirteen, Maynard was already a soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra. He often played on the CBC. He even had a special piece called "Serenade for Trumpet in Jazz" written just for him! He earned a scholarship to the Conservatoire de musique du Québec à Montréal, where he studied music from 1943 to 1948.
Starting a Music Career
Maynard left High School of Montreal at fifteen to focus on music. He played in dance bands led by Stan Wood, Roland David, and Johnny Holmes. Even though the trumpet was his main instrument, he also played other brass and reed instruments. He even took over his brother Percy's dance band, playing shows around Montreal. Soon, American bandleaders noticed him and offered him chances to play in the U.S.
In 1948, Ferguson moved to the United States. He wanted to join Stan Kenton's band, but it had broken up. So, Maynard played with other bands like Boyd Raeburn, Jimmy Dorsey, and Charlie Barnet. With Charlie Barnet's band, he was featured on a recording of "All The Things You Are."
Joining Stan Kenton and Hollywood Films
In January 1950, Stan Kenton formed a new, large jazz orchestra called the Innovations Orchestra. Maynard Ferguson joined them. One of their recordings was even named "Maynard Ferguson" after him! When Kenton went back to a smaller jazz band, Ferguson continued to play with him, often having solo parts. Famous recordings from this time include "Invention for Guitar and Trumpet" and "What's New?."
In 1953, Maynard left Kenton's band. For the next three years, he was the main trumpet player for Paramount Pictures. He played on the soundtracks of 46 movies, including The Ten Commandments. He also played on other movie soundtracks, especially those with jazz music. You can hear his trumpet in films like Living It Up and You're Never Too Young. Even though he liked the steady work, he missed playing live jazz. So, he left Paramount in 1956.
The Birdland Dream Band and Beyond
In 1956, Maynard joined the Birdland Dream Band. This was a 14-piece "all-star" big band formed to play at the famous Birdland jazz club in New York City. This band became the main group Ferguson played with for the next nine years. Many talented musicians played in this band, including Wayne Shorter and Joe Zawinul.
In 1959, Ferguson was a special guest with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. He performed a piece called Symphony No. 2 in C "Titans" with them. In 1961, he even composed the theme music for a TV show called Straightaway. His album "Straightaway" Jazz Themes featured this music.
As big bands became less popular in the 1960s, Ferguson's band played less often. He felt he needed a change. He started playing with a smaller group before ending his big band in 1966.
New Adventures: India and England
After leaving his long-time record label, Ferguson moved his family to India in 1967. He taught at the Rishi Valley School near Madras. He also helped start and teach the Boys Brass Band at the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. While in India, he was inspired by the local culture and music.
In 1969, Ferguson moved to Windsor, England. He signed with CBS Records and started a new big band with British musicians. This band played jazz rock and became famous for their version of "MacArthur Park." Ferguson's band first played in North America in 1971.
Returning to the U.S. and Pop Success
Maynard Ferguson moved back to New York City in 1973, then to Ojai, California a couple of years later. He changed his band to include American musicians and made it smaller, with twelve members. Albums from this time include M.F. Horn 4&5: Live At Jimmy's and Chameleon. Ferguson often hired young musicians from college jazz programs. He played for young audiences and gave special classes in colleges and high schools. This helped him connect with many new fans.
In 1975, Ferguson started working with Bob James. They made several successful albums with many musicians, including strings and singers. The album Conquistador (1976) had a popular song called "Gonna Fly Now" from the movie Rocky. This song helped the album sell very well, earning him a gold record! In 1976, Ferguson played a special trumpet solo at the closing ceremony of the Summer Olympics in Montreal, symbolically "blowing out the flame."
Maynard's contract with Columbia Records ended in 1982. He then formed a smaller band called High Voltage in 1986. This group gave him more freedom to explore different musical styles.
Big Bop Nouveau: A Return to Jazz
To celebrate his 60th birthday in 1988, Maynard Ferguson went back to leading a larger band and playing more traditional jazz. This led to the creation of Big Bop Nouveau. This nine-piece band became his main touring group for the rest of his life. They played original jazz songs and new versions of jazz classics. The band traveled all over the world, playing about 200 shows a year!
Even in his later years, Maynard Ferguson remained an exciting performer. He toured about nine months a year with Big Bop Nouveau. Maynard Ferguson passed away on August 23, 2006.
Maynard's Personal Life
In 1973, Maynard Ferguson settled in Ojai, California, where he lived until he passed away. He was married to Flo Ferguson from 1956 until her death in 2005. Maynard had three daughters: Corby, Lisa, and Wilder. He also had a stepdaughter, Kim. His daughter Lisa Ferguson is a writer and filmmaker. At the time of his death, Maynard had two granddaughters, Erica and Sandra.
Maynard Ferguson died on August 23, 2006, in Ventura, California, due to kidney and liver problems.
Musical Versatility and Innovation
While the trumpet was his main instrument, Maynard Ferguson often played other brass instruments too. He was especially known for playing the valve trombone, which is not very common. He even designed two unique instruments: the Firebird and the Superbone. The Firebird was like a trumpet but had a trombone-style slide. The Superbone was a trombone with extra valves.
Ferguson was famous for his ability to play incredibly high notes on the trumpet. He could play these high notes with a full, strong sound. He said his skill with high notes came from breath control, which he learned when he was young. He believed his technique lasted so long because of his studies in India, which included yoga.
Maynard Ferguson brought a lot of energy and excitement to jazz music. He made a complex musical style feel lively and fun!
Awards and Special Recognitions
Maynard Ferguson received many honors during his career. In 2003, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of Canada's highest honors!
He won the DownBeat Readers' Poll for best trumpeter three years in a row: 1950, 1951, and 1952. In 1992, he was added to the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame.
In 2000, Maynard Ferguson received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Rowan University in New Jersey. The university also created the 'Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz Studies' in his honor. This institute helps train young jazz musicians.
After his death, many musicians who had played in Maynard Ferguson's bands came together for a special memorial concert.
Discography
- By release date
As leader
- 1955 – Jam Session featuring Maynard Ferguson (EmArcy)
- 1956 – Maynard Ferguson's Hollywood Party (EmArcy)
- 1956 – Around the Horn with Maynard Ferguson (EmArcy)
- 1956 – Dimensions (EmArcy)
- 1955 – Maynard Ferguson Octet (EmArcy)
- 1957 – Maynard Ferguson and His Birdland Dream Band
- 1957 – The Birdland Dream Band, Vol. 2
- 1957 – Boy with Lots of Brass (EmArcy)
- 1958 – Swingin' My Way Through College (Roulette)
- 1958 – A Message from Newport (Roulette)
- 1959 – A Message from Birdland (Roulette)
- 1959 – Maynard Ferguson Plays Jazz for Dancing (Roulette)
- 1960 – Newport Suite (Roulette)
- 1960 – Let's Face the Music and Dance (Roulette)
- 1961 – Maynard '61 (Roulette)
- 1961 – Double Exposure with Chris Connor (Atlantic)
- 1961 – "Straightaway" Jazz Themes (Roulette)
- 1961 – Two's Company with Chris Connor (Roulette)
- 1962 – Maynard '62 (Roulette)
- 1962 – Si! Si! M.F. (Roulette)
- 1963 – The New Sounds of Maynard Ferguson (Cameo)
- 1963 – Message from Maynard (Roulette)
- 1963 – Maynard '63 (Roulette)
- 1964 – Maynard '64 (Roulette)
- 1964 – Come Blow Your Horn (Cameo)
- 1964 – Color Him Wild (Mainstream) – Reissued as Dues
- 1964 – The Blues Roar (Mainstream) – Reissued as Screamin' Blues
- 1965 – The Maynard Ferguson Sextet (Mainstream) – Reissued as Six By Six and as Magnitude with bonus tracks
- 1966 – Ridin' High (Enterprise)
- 1967 – Trumpet Rhapsody (MPS) – Reissued as Maynard Ferguson 1969
- 1968 – The Ballad Style of Maynard Ferguson (CBS)
- 1968 – Maynard and Gustav (Supraphon)
- 1970 – M.F. Horn (Columbia) – also released as The World of Maynard Ferguson
- 1971 – Maynard Ferguson (Columbia) – also released as Alive and Well in London
- 1972 – M.F. Horn Two (Columbia)
- 1973 – M.F. Horn 3 (Columbia)
- 1974 – M.F. Horn 4&5: Live At Jimmy's (Columbia)
- 1974 – Chameleon (Columbia)
- 1976 – Primal Scream (Columbia)
- 1977 – Conquistador (Columbia)
- 1977 – New Vintage (Columbia)
- 1978 – Carnival (Columbia)
- 1979 – Hot (Columbia)
- 1980 – It's My Time (Columbia)
- 1981 – Hollywood (Columbia)
- 1983 – Storm (Palo Alto)
- 1983 – Live from San Francisco from the Great American Music Hall (Palo Alto)
- 1986 – Body and Soul
- 1987 – High Voltage (Intima)
- 1988 – High Voltage 2 (Intima)
- 1990 – Big Bop Nouveau (Intima)
- 1992 – Footpath Cafe (Avion)
- 1994 – Live from London
- 1994 – Live at Peacock Lane Hollywood 1957 (Jazz Hour)
- 1994 – These Cats Can Swing (Concord)
- 1995 – Live at the Great American Music Hall Part 2 (Status)
- 1996 – One More Trip to Birdland (Concord)
- 1998 – Brass Attitude (Concord)
- 1999 – Big City Rhythms with Michael Feinstein
- 2001 – Swingin' for Schuur with Diane Schuur (Concord)
- 2006 – M.F. Horn VI: Live at Ronnie's
Posthumous releases
- 2007 – The One and Only
Selected film soundtracks
- The Wild One (1953)
- Living It Up (1954)
- Rear Window (1954)
- You're Never Too Young (1955)
- Oreste (short) (1955)
- The Man With The Golden Arm (1955)
- Blackboard Jungle (1955)
- The Ten Commandments (1956)
- Crime in the Streets (1956)
- Hot Rod Girl (1956)
- Dino (film) (1957)
- The Delicate Delinquent (1957)
- Hot Rod Rumble (1957)
- Singin' and Swingin' (short) (1961)
- Urbanissimo (short) (1966)
- La prima notte di quiete (aka Indian Summer) (1972)
- Uncle Joe Shannon (1978)
As sideman
With Harry Belafonte
- Belafonte (1955)
- Calypso (1956)
With Buddy Bregman
- Bing Sings Whilst Bregman Swings (Verve, 1956)
- Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Cole Porter Songbook, (Verve, 1956)
- Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Rodgers and Hart Songbook (Verve, 1956)
- Jerry Lewis Just Sings (Capitol, 1956)
- Swinging Kicks (Verve, 1957)
- Boy Meets Girl (Verve, 1957)
With Russ Garcia
- Four Horns and Lush Life (Japan) (Bethlehem, 1955)
- Russ Garcia and his Four Trombone Band (Fresh Sound)
With Stan Kenton
- Innovations in Modern Music (Capitol, 1950)
- Stan Kenton Presents (Capitol, 1950)
- New Concepts of Artistry in Rhythm (Capitol, 1953)
- Popular Favorites by Stan Kenton (Capitol, 1953)
- Sketches on Standards (Capitol, 1953)
- This Modern World (Capitol, 1953)
- The Kenton Era (Capitol, 1940–54, [1955])
- Kenton in Hi-Fi (Capitol, 1956)
- The Innovations Orchestra (Capitol, 1950–51 [1997])
With Perez Prado
- Voodoo Suite (1955)
- Havanna 3 A.M. (1956)
With Shorty Rogers
- Cool and Crazy (RCA Victor, 1953)
- Shorty Rogers Courts the Count (RCA Victor, 1954)
- Shorty Rogers Plays Richard Rodgers (RCA Victor, 1957)
With Pete Rugolo
- Something Cool (Mono) with June Christy (1954)
- Introducing Pete Rugolo (Columbia, 1954)
- Adventures in Rhythm (Columbia, 1954)
- Rugolomania (Columbia, 1955)
- New Sounds by Pete Rugolo (Harmony, 1954–55, [1957])
- Music for Hi-Fi Bugs (EmArcy, 1956)
- Out on a Limb (EmArcy, 1956)
- An Adventure in Sound: Brass in Hi-Fi (Mercury, 1956 [1958])
With others
- In the Land of Hi-Fi with Georgie Auld and His Orchestra, Georgie Auld (EmArcy, 1955)
- Skin Deep, Louis Bellson (Norgran, 1953)
- Plays Well with Others, Wayne Bergeron (Concord, 2007)
- Jam Session with Clifford Brown and Clark Terry (EmArcy, 1954)
- Chicago 13, Chicago (Columbia, 1979)
- Spanish Fever, Fania All-Stars (1978)
- BeBop Your Best, Red Grammer (Red Note, 2005)
- The Swingin'st, Vido Musso (Crown, 1956)
- Special Delivery Featuring Maynard Ferguson, Tito Puente (Concord, 1996)
- Indian Express/Mani & Co, L. Subramaniam (Milestone, 1999)
- Dinah Jams, Dinah Washington (1954)
As producer
- Maynard Ferguson Presents Christian Jacob (Concord, 1997)
- Maynard Ferguson Presents Tom Garling (Concord, 1997)
See also
In Spanish: Maynard Ferguson para niños
