Paul Whiteman Concert Orchestra

**Paul Whiteman Concert Orchestra**

Led by the charismatic bandleader Paul Whiteman, often dubbed the "King of Jazz" in the 1920s, this ensemble brought orchestral flair to the jazz age. Whiteman’s group wasn’t your typical jazz band—they blended big-band swing with classical sophistication, creating a lush "symphonic jazz" style that captivated audiences. Their 1924 premiere of Gershwin’s *Rhapsody in Blue* (commissioned by Whiteman himself) became legendary, cementing their role in bridging jazz and concert hall music. By the late 1920s, their recordings like *Music for Moderns* showcased polished arrangements and star soloists, including cornetist Bix Beiderbecke, while Whiteman’s knack for showmanship kept them in the spotlight. Though later overshadowed by swing-era bands, their ambitious fusion of genres left a lasting mark on American music.

Genres

Classical

Jazz

Blues

Contemporary Jazz

Orchestral Music

Big Band

Swing

Latest Release

Roy Bargy Performs... Gershwin: Concerto in F for Solo Piano

George Gershwin•

Paul Whiteman Concert Orchestra•

Paul Whiteman

Single - Released June 27, 2014