Biography
Rowland Bernart Berigan, 2 November 1908, Hilbert, Calumet, Wisconsin, USA, d. 2 June 1942, New York City, New York, USA. One of the outstanding trumpeters of the swing era, Berigan was heavily influenced by Louis Armstrong and at his best played with much of his idol’s attack and zest. In the early 30s he worked with numerous bands, including those of Paul Whiteman, Fred Rich, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman (with whom he was playing when the band made its popular breakthrough at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles in August 1936, the gig that launched the swing era). Berigan also worked in the studios, playing in house bands, and in 1937 formed his own big band. The band was very popular and had several hits, including a version of ‘I Can’t Get Started’ on which the leader sings engagingly and plays one of the most celebrated jazz solos of the era. Berigan played with a full and gorgeous sound, his open horn having a...
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