“the soul of melody… a man who made the piano sing… both big in body and in mind… known for his generosity… a bubbling bundle of joy” — Andy Razaf (long-time collaborator) on Fats Waller Thomas Wright Waller, better known as Fats Waller, started his career as a pianist and organist at the age of… Read more »

Born and raised by the sounds of New Orleans, sisters Martha, Connie, and Helvatia “Vet” Boswell made a name for themselves with their vocal group, “The Boswell Sisters.” Through their tight harmonies and unique sound, they helped define and popularize the swing era to a wider audience. While their career as a group only spanned… Read more »

Harry Lillis Crosby Jr. was the co-owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates. He owned and bred racehorses. He was a shareholder of Minute Maid orange juice. He revolutionized the recording industry with reel-to-reel tape recorders and magnetic tape. His early golf tournaments would later influence and popularize the PGA Tour. But all of these accomplishments were… Read more »

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington is one of the most influential figures in jazz. He composed over 3000 songs over his lifetime, some of which would go on to define the swing era. The “Duke Ellington Sound” is unmistakable, and that can largely be attributed to the diverse talents of his… Read more »

Joe VenutiEddie Lang Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang were both pioneers of their instruments. Often referred to as the “Father of Jazz Guitar” and the “Father of Jazz Violin,” Lang and Venuti were childhood friends and collaborators. Throughout their careers, they worked with countless jazz icons and entertainers, from Bing Crosby to Earl Hines, and… Read more »