Radio de Woody Herman & His Orchestra
Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16, 1913 ? October 29, 1987), better known as Woody Herman, was an American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Herman was born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 16, 1913. [Lees 4] His parents were Ray and Myrtle Herrman. [Lees 5] As a child he worked as a singer in vaudeville, then became a professional saxophone player at age 15. In 1931, he met Charlotte Neste, an aspiring actress. [Clancy 13] They later married. Woody Herman joined the Tom Gerun band and his first recorded vocals were "Lonesome Me" and "My Heart's At Ease". [Clancy 15] Herman also performed with the Harry Sosnick orchestra [Clancy 16] and Gus Arnheim and Isham Jones. [Clancy 17] Isham Jones wrote many popular songs, including "It Had To Be You"[2] and at some point was tiring of the demands of leading a band. Jones wanted to live off the residuals of his songs. "While we were with Jones, we discussed the possibilities of [Woody being the leader] after we heard Isham was going to quit." [Clancy 20] Woody Herman eventually acquired the remains of Jones' orchestra after Isham Jones decided to retire.