Stan Kenton

Stanley Newcomb Kenton (December 15, 1911 - August 25, 1979), was an American jazz pianist, and bandleader known for his innovations in jazz music. He was born in Wichita, Kansas, but raised in California. He learned piano as a child and toured with various bands in his teens. In 1941 he formed his own band and reached the height of his popularity by 1953. Many of his band arrangements (he used anywhere from 19 to 23 musicians at a time) were written by Kenton himself, as well as other composers such as Gene Roland, Pete Rugolo, W. A. Mathieu, and Ken Hanna. The music made use of powerful brass sections and unconventional saxophone voicings, demonstrating his love of experimentation. Such examples included the various names he gave to his ensembles: "Innovations Orchestra," "Neophonic Orchestra" and "Mellophonium Orchestra." "Artistry in Rhythm" was Kenton's theme song throughout many recordings and concert performances. Noted band personnel included Bob Gioga, Vido Musso, Eddie Safranski, Art Pepper, Shelly Manne, Buddy Childers, Bob Cooper, Kai Winding, and Maynard Ferguson. Vocalist June Christy achieved a measure of fame for her efforts with the Kenton orchestra. Kenton discovered the Four Freshmen performing in a small club in Dayton, Ohio, and proceeded to propel their career. In his latter years, Stan Kenton expended much energy encouraging big band music and progressive jazz in schools throughout the country. All in all, he was a salient figure on the American musical scene and made an indelible mark on the arranged type of big band jazz.

Related Topics:
December 15 - 1911 - August 25 - 1979 - Jazz - Pianist - Bandleader - Wichita, Kansas - California - 1941 - 1953 - Gene Roland - Pete Rugolo - W. A. Mathieu - Ken Hanna - Art Pepper - Shelly Manne - Buddy Childers

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Kenton's music evolved with the times throughout the 1960s and 70s. His final performance was in August 1978, a year before he passed away.

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