Benny Carter Quotes
- Saxophonist
- USA
- 1907 - 2003
Benny Carter (1907-2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. He was a major figure in jazz for over 70 years, and was one of the first African-American musicians to be widely accepted in the jazz world. He was a master of all the saxophones, as well as the trumpet,…Read More
Benny Carter (1907-2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. He was a major figure in jazz for over 70 years, and was one of the first African-American musicians to be widely accepted in the jazz world. He was a master of all the saxophones, as well as the trumpet, clarinet, and trombone. He wrote over 300 compositions, including “When Lights Are Low,” “Blue Star,” and “Key Largo.” He was a three-time Grammy Award winner, and was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1972. He was also the first African-American to be named an NEA Jazz Master in 1986.Read Less
Benny Carter (1907-2003) was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, and bandleader. He was a major figure in jazz for over 70 years, and was one of the first African-American musicians to be widely accepted in the jazz world. He was a master of all the saxophones, as well as the trumpet, clarinet, and trombone. He wrote over 300 compositions, including “When Lights Are Low,” “Blue Star,” and “Key Largo.” He was a three-time Grammy Award winner, and was inducted into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1972. He was also the first African-American to be named an NEA Jazz Master in 1986.
Benny Carter Career Highlights
Benny Carter was a renowned American jazz musician, composer, and arranger. He was born on August 8, 1907, in New York City and began playing the trumpet at a young age. He later switched to the saxophone and became one of the most influential and versatile musicians in the jazz world.Carter’s career spanned over nine decades, during which he recorded over 300 compositions and arrangements, and performed with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong. He also composed music for films, television, and Broadway shows.
Key Contributions by Benny Carter
Benny Carter’s contributions to jazz music are immeasurable. He was a pioneer in the development of the saxophone as a solo instrument and helped popularize the use of the saxophone in jazz music. He was also known for his exceptional skills as an arranger, creating innovative and complex arrangements for big bands.Carter’s compositions, such as “When Lights Are Low” and “Blues in My Heart,” have become jazz standards and are still performed by musicians today. He also mentored and influenced many young musicians, including Quincy Jones and Miles Davis.
What Sets Benny Carter Apart
What sets Benny Carter apart from other jazz musicians is his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing times. He seamlessly incorporated elements of swing, bebop, and even rock into his music, while still maintaining his unique style and sound. He was also a skilled multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing the saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, and piano.Carter’s longevity in the music industry is also remarkable. He continued to perform and record well into his 90s, and his music remains relevant and influential to this day.
Takeaways
Benny Carter’s career serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians. He showed that with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt, one can achieve success and longevity in the music industry. His contributions to jazz music have left a lasting impact and continue to be celebrated by musicians and fans alike.