Frank Rosolino
American jazz trombonist and composer of "Blue Daniel."
Frank Rosolino (August 20, 1926 – November 26, 1978) was an American jazz trombonist. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he learned guitar from his father at age nine before switching to trombone at fourteen. He built his reputation in the big bands of Bob Chester, Glen Gray, Tony Pastor, Herbie Fields, Gene Krupa, and Stan Kenton. After his stint with Kenton, he settled in Los Angeles and became a key member of Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-Stars from 1954 to 1960. His composition "Blue Daniel" was first recorded by Shelly Manne & His Men in 1959 and grew into a jazz standard, later given lyrics by Ben Sidran in 1979. Rosolino was also a gifted scat singer, heard on Gene Krupa's hit "Lemon Drop."
Quick Facts
- Born
- 20 August 1926
- Birthplace
- Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
- Died
- 26 November 1978
- Place of death
- Van Nuys, California, U.S.
- Genre
- Jazz
- Occupation
- Musician
- Instrument
- Trombone
- Years active
- 1945–1978
Facts from the source article.
Biography
Rosolino learned guitar from his father at age nine and switched to trombone at fourteen. He played in the big bands of Bob Chester, Glen Gray, Tony Pastor, Herbie Fields, Gene Krupa, and Stan Kenton. After his time with Kenton, he moved to Los Angeles and performed with Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All-Stars from 1954 to 1960. His piece "Blue Daniel" was first recorded by Shelly Manne & His Men in 1959 and later became a standard, with versions by The Cannonball Adderley Quintet and Ben Sidran, who added lyrics in 1979.
During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked in Los Angeles studios with Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Sarah Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Peggy Lee, Mel Tormé, Michel Legrand, and Quincy Jones. He appeared in the films I Want to Live! and Sweet Smell of Success with Shelly Manne's group, and was a regular on The Steve Allen Show. Rosolino also sang scat, notably on Gene Krupa's "Lemon Drop. In the 1970s he toured with Quincy Jones and Supersax. On November 26, 1978, he shot his sons Justin and Jason, killing Justin and blinding Jason, then killed himself.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was Frank Rosolino born?
Frank Rosolino was born on 20 August 1926 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
When did Frank Rosolino die?
Frank Rosolino died on 26 November 1978 in Van Nuys, California, U.S.
What did Frank Rosolino do?
Frank Rosolino was a Musician.
When was Frank Rosolino active?
Frank Rosolino was active from 1945 to 1978.
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