Buddy DeFranco was an American clarinetist, bandleader, arranger, conductor, and composer, best known for his significant contributions to jazz and popular music. He was born on February 17, 1923, in Camden, New Jersey, and had a long and impactful career before passing away on December 24, 2014, in Panama City, Florida.
Personal and Family Life
Buddy DeFranco was married three times, with his last marriage to Joyce O. Yount lasting from 1975 until his death in 2014. He had a total of two children from his marriages. His early education included studying at the Mastbaum School in Philadelphia and learning from notable musicians like Meyer Levin.
Career Highlights
Buddy had a successful career beginning at a young age when he won the Major Bowes competition and a Tommy Dorsey swing contest at just fourteen. He toured extensively for sixteen years with dance bands and led his own groups, including a sextet, big band, and quartet. He later took the leadership of the Glenn Miller Orchestra and became a member of ASCAP in 1960, contributing various compositions to the music world.
Death and Legacy
Buddy DeFranco passed away on December 24, 2014, after a long period of illness. His legacy lives on through his innovative contributions to jazz music and the influence he had on future musicians. He is remembered as a talented and pioneering artist in the field of clarinet performance and arrangement.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1945 | Thrill of a Romance | Member Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (uncredited) |