Nicholas Brendon
American actor (born 1971)
Artie Shaw, an American clarinetist, composer, and bandleader, was one of jazz’s finest musicians. He led a popular big band in the late 1930s and early 1940s, and is best known for his 1938 recording of Cole Porter’s ‘Begin the Beguine.’ Shaw was also an early proponent of Third Stream music, blending classical and jazz elements.
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About the Artie Shaw
Artie Shawwas an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, actor and author of both fiction and non-fiction.
Widely regarded as “one of jazz’s finest clarinetists”, Shaw led one of the United States’ most popular big bands in the late 1930s through the early 1940s. Though he had numerous hit records, he was perhaps best known for his 1938 recording of Cole Porter’s “Begin the Beguine.” Before the release of “Beguine,” Shaw and his fledgling band had languished in relative obscurity for over two years and, after its release, he became a major pop artist within short order. The record eventually became one of the era’s defining recordings. Musically restless, Shaw was also an early proponent of what became known much later as Third Stream music, which blended elements of classical and jazz forms and traditions. His music influenced other musicians, such as Monty Norman in England, whose “James Bond Theme” features a vamp possibly influenced by Shaw’s 1938 recording of “Nightmare”.
Shaw also recorded with small jazz groups drawn from within the ranks of the big bands he led. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1944, during which time he led a morale-building band that toured the South Pacific. Following his discharge in 1944, he returned to lead a band through 1945. Following the breakup of that band, he began to focus on other interests and gradually withdrew from the world of being a professional musician and major celebrity, although he remained a force in popular music and jazz before retiring from music completely in 1954.
Frequently Asked Questions
Artie Shaw was an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, actor, and author of both fiction and non-fiction. He was widely regarded as ‘one of jazz’s finest clarinetists’ and led one of the United States’ most popular big bands in the late 1930s through the early 1940s.
Artie Shaw’s most famous recording was his 1938 recording of Cole Porter’s ‘Begin the Beguine.’ This record became one of the defining recordings of the era and helped Shaw become a major pop artist within a short period of time.
Artie Shaw’s music influenced other musicians, such as Monty Norman in England, whose ‘James Bond Theme’ features a vamp possibly influenced by Shaw’s 1938 recording of ‘Nightmare.’
Artie Shaw served in the U.S. Navy from 1942 to 1944, during which time he led a morale-building band that toured the South Pacific.
Artie Shaw retired from music completely in 1954, following the breakup of his band in 1945 and a focus on other interests after his discharge from the U.S. Navy in 1944.
Artie Shaw was an early proponent of what became known as Third Stream music, which blended elements of classical and jazz forms and traditions. His music was widely regarded as innovative and influential.
Artie Shaw was born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky on May 23, 1910, and was an American clarinetist, composer, bandleader, actor, and author of both fiction and non-fiction.