Al Hirt
Alois Maxwell "Al" Hirt, born on November 7, 1922, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a renowned American trumpeter and bandleader, celebrated for his contributions to jazz and Dixieland music. Known by nicknames such as "Jumbo" and "The Round Mound of Sound," Hirt was a towering figure both physically and musically, standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds. His musical journey began at the age of six when he received his first trumpet from a pawnshop, a gift from his father, a New Orleans police officer.
Hirt's early musical development was marked by performances with the Junior Police Band and professional gigs by the age of 16, often alongside his friend Pete Fountain. He attended Jesuit High School and later studied at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music under Dr. Frank Simon. During World War II, Hirt served as a bugler in the United States Army, playing with the 82nd Army Air Force Band.
After the war, Hirt played with prominent big bands, including those of Benny Goodman and Jimmy Dorsey, before returning to New Orleans to lead his own bands and work with Dixieland groups. Despite his modest claim of not being a jazz trumpeter, Hirt's recordings demonstrated his versatility and skill in the genre. His career soared in the 1950s and 1960s with RCA Victor, where he released numerous successful albums and singles.
Hirt's most notable achievements include his million-selling recordings of "Java" and the album "Honey in the Horn," both of which earned gold discs. He won a Grammy Award in 1964 for "Java" and received a total of eight Grammy nominations throughout his career. Hirt also recorded the theme for the 1960s TV show "The Green Hornet," showcasing his virtuosity.
In addition to his recording success, Hirt was a beloved performer, captivating audiences with his genial stage presence and joyful spirit. He played at significant events, including the inaugural ball of President John F. Kennedy, and performed for six U.S. Presidents during his lifetime. Al Hirt's legacy was cemented with his induction into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2009. He passed away on April 27, 1999, in his hometown of New Orleans, leaving behind a rich musical heritage.