Johnny Best
This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Johnny Best started off learning the piano but switched to trumpet when he was 13. During his impressive career as a sideman in the big bands, Johnny played with several top orchestras such as Glenn Miller, Charlie Barnes, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, and Les Brown. He worked often with Bob Crosby and with such jazz greats as Ella Fitzgerald. In fact, that's Johnny's trumpet you hear on Ella's hit album "Get Happy."
Interview Date:
February 27, 1995
Date of Birth:
October 20, 1913
Deceased Date:
September 19, 2003
Job Title:
Musician, Trumpeter
If you have updated information, contact or demographic details on this person, please contact Dan Del Fiorentino and be sure to add the interviewee's name in the subject field.