Whiteman, Paul

views updated

Whiteman, Paul (b Denver, 1890; d Doylestown, Penn., 1967). Amer. jazz band director, known as ‘king of jazz’. Violist in Denver SO from 1912 and S. Francisco SO 1917–18. Formed Paul Whiteman Orch. 1920, larger than usual jazz band, which bridged gap between jazz and other forms of mus. by what he called ‘symphonic jazz’. Orch. contained several great jazz musicians, e.g. Bix Beiderbecke (trumpet), Joe Venuti (vn.), Tommy Dorsey (tb.), Eddie Lang (guitar). Commissioned Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, giving f.p. in NY on 12 Feb. 1924. Toured Eur. 1926. One of Paul Whiteman Rhythm Boys vocal group was Bing Crosby. Most Whiteman orchestrations were by Grofé.

More From encyclopedia.com