Red Norvo

Red Norvo (31 March 1908- 6 April 1999) was one of jazz's early vibraphonists. He helped establish the xylophone and later the vibraphone as viable jazz instruments.

Related Topics:
31 March - 1908 - 6 April - 1999 - Jazz - Vibraphonists

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Norvo was born Kenneth Norville in Beardstown, Illinois. The story goes that he sold his pet pony to help pay for his first marimba. Norvo's career began in Chicago with a band called "The Collegians", in 1925. He played with many other bands, including an all-marimba band on the vaudeville circuit, and the bands of Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, and Woody Herman. Norvo recorded with Mildred Bailey (his wife), Billie Holiday and Frank Sinatra, among others. Together, Red and Mildred were known as "Mr. and Mrs. Swing." He also appeared in the film Screaming Mimi (1958), playing himself.

Related Topics:
Beardstown, Illinois - Marimba - Chicago - 1925 - Vaudeville - Paul Whiteman - Benny Goodman - Charlie Barnet - Woody Herman - Mildred Bailey - Billie Holiday - Frank Sinatra

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Norvo recorded and toured throughout his career until a stroke in the mid-1980s forced him into retirement. He died at a convalescent home in Santa Monica, California at the age of 91.

Related Topics:
Stroke - 1980s - Santa Monica, California

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