Joe Venuti, born Giuseppe "Joe" Venuti on September 16, 1903, was a pioneering jazz musician renowned for his work as a violinist. Venuti's career spanned several decades, during which he earned a reputation as one of the first and greatest jazz violinists of all time. His artistry was marked by a vivacious swing style, virtuosity, and inventive improvisations, which helped to elevate the violin to a prominent status in the jazz world—a realm typically dominated by brass and reed instruments.

Venuti is often celebrated for his groundbreaking collaborations with guitarist Eddie Lang, a childhood friend with whom he forged one of the most memorable partnerships in early jazz, blending strings harmony and counterpoint in innovative ways. Their recordings, such as the "Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang Columbia and Okeh Sessions," remain essential listening for jazz enthusiasts and are crucial documents of the genre's development. His influence extended beyond these collaborations, however, as he went on to perform with many jazz greats, including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Earl Hines. Despite experiencing periods of obscurity throughout his career, Venuti's later years saw a resurgence of interest in his music, and he continued to perform and record until his death on August 14, 1978. His legacy is carried on through his rich discography, which has been kept alive through multiple reissues, including remastered collections like "Never Before…Never Again" and live recordings that capture his electric on-stage presence, such as "Electric Joe".

Genres

Jazz Violin

Vintage Jazz

Latest Release

Four String Joe

Joe Venuti

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 15, 2024