Larry Clinton was a prominent American trumpeter, trombonist, composer, and bandleader during the swing era. Born on August 17, 1909, in Brooklyn, New York, he became best known for his adaptations of classical melodies into the popular swing format, his skill as an arranger, and as leader of the Larry Clinton Orchestra. His career took off in the late 1930s when he began to score hits with his band, which became a staple on the live music circuit and enjoyed nationwide recognition through its recordings.
Clinton's work is characterized by a unique blend of swing and innovation, breathing new life into classical tunes—a style evident in numbers like “My Reverie,” which is a take on Claude Debussy's “Rêverie.” Among his accolates, Larry Clinton wrote for and contributed arrangements to some of the biggest names of his time, including Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller. His influence extended well beyond the golden age of big band music, however; through reissues and digitally remastered recordings of his vintage sessions, like "My Million Sellers!" and "Live In 1938 & 1939," his music continues to be celebrated. Later compilations, such as "Studies In Clinton" and "Shades Of Hades," attest to the enduring nature of his work and the finesse of his musical legacy. Clinton, who passed away on May 2, 1985, remains an important figure in the annals of American music history, his contributions continuing to reverberate through the landscape of swing and big band music.
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