Ziggy Elman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ziggy Elman
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Ziggy Elman with Benny Goodman (third from left) and some of Goodman's former musicians in 1952. Left to right: Vernon Brown, George Auld, Goodman, Gene Krupa, Clint Neagley, Elman, Israel Crosby, and Teddy Wilson (at piano)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Harry Aaron Finkelman |
| Born | May 26, 1914 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | June 26, 1968 (aged 54) Los Angeles, California |
| Genres | Jazz, swing |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1930s–1950s |
| Associated acts | Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey |
Harry Aaron Finkelman (born May 26, 1914 – died June 26, 1968) was an American jazz trumpeter. He was best known by his stage name, Ziggy Elman. He played with famous bands like Benny Goodman's orchestra. He also led his own group, Ziggy Elman and His Orchestra.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Ziggy Elman was born in Philadelphia. When he was four, his family moved to Atlantic City, New Jersey. His father was a violinist and hoped Ziggy would play the violin too. Ziggy did learn violin, but he liked brass instruments more. He started playing music for Jewish weddings and nightclubs when he was 15 years old.
Music Career Highlights
In 1932, Ziggy made his first recording. He played the trombone on this recording. Sometime in the 1930s, he started using the name "Ziggy Elman." This name was a shorter version of his last name, Finkelman.
Joining Benny Goodman
In 1936, Ziggy Elman joined the famous Benny Goodman orchestra. He played the trumpet for them. Benny Goodman heard Ziggy play at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City. He was very impressed.
The Hit Song "And the Angels Sing"
While playing with Benny Goodman, Ziggy got a chance to record his own music. In 1938, he recorded 20 songs with his group, Ziggy Elman and His Orchestra. All the musicians in his group were also part of Goodman's band.
One of his original songs was called "Frailach in Swing." It was based on an older Jewish tune. In 1939, Benny Goodman challenged the songwriter Johnny Mercer to write lyrics for Ziggy's tune. Two weeks later, Mercer had lyrics for a slower version.
Goodman's arranger, Jimmy Mundy, created a new musical arrangement. The song was renamed "And the Angels Sing". It featured Ziggy's trumpet and a singer named Martha Tilton. This song became a number one hit!
Playing with Tommy Dorsey
After leaving Benny Goodman in 1940, Ziggy joined another popular band. He played with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. He stayed with Dorsey until 1943, when he joined the military. After leaving the military in 1946, he played with Tommy Dorsey again for another year.
Later Career and Challenges
Ziggy Elman loved frailach music, which is traditional Jewish wedding music. Today, it's often called klezmer music. He made several recordings of this music with Mickey Katz. From 1940 to 1947, he was honored many times in Down Beat magazine's Readers Poll. He also led his own bands starting in 1947.
In 1956, a movie called The Benny Goodman Story was made. Ziggy was asked to play a klezmer solo for the movie. However, he found it hard to play like he used to. Another trumpeter, Mannie Klein, actually played the solo on the movie's soundtrack. Ziggy still appeared in the film performing it.
By the 1950s, big band music was not as popular. Ziggy faced some health and money problems. He had a heart attack in 1956, which affected his music career. He later worked at a car dealership and a music store. He also gave trumpet lessons. Ziggy Elman passed away in 1968 at the age of 54.
Recordings
As a Band Leader
- "Fralich in Swing/Bublitchki" (Bluebird, 1939)
- "Bye 'n' Bye/Deep Night" (Bluebird, 1939)
As a Sideman (Playing with Others)
With Benny Goodman
- "Bei mir bis du schon" (Victor, 1937)
- "Wrapping It Up" (Victor, 1938)
- "And the Angels Sing" (Victor, 1939)
- "Zaggin' with Zig" (Bluebird, 1939)
- The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert Volume 1 (Columbia Masterworks, 1950)
- The Famous 1938 Carnegie Hall Jazz Concert Volume II (Columbia Masterworks, 1950)
- The Complete RCA Victor Small Group Recordings (RCA Victor, 1997)
With Tommy Dorsey
- "Swing High" (Victor, 1940)
- "Swanee River" (Victor, 1940)
- What Is This Thing Called Love? (Victor, 1942)
- Yes Indeed! (RCA Victor, 1956)
With Other Musicians
- Lionel Hampton, "Ain't Cha Comin' Home?" (Victor, 1939)
- Lionel Hampton, "Gin for Christmas" (Victor, 1939)
- Jess Stacy, Tribute to Benny Goodman (Atlantic, 1956)
