Biography

Rafael Mendez was considered by many in the music world to be the greatest trumpet player of all time. He was known for his brilliant tone, legendary range, articulation and vibrato. He could make his trumpet sing. Mendez was a master of technique including double-tonguing and triple-tonguing. His repertoire included classical compositions, popular arrangements, favorite songs, and Mexican folk music.

Although he began playing the trumpet at age five, it was 30 years before he became widely known. Mendez was born on March 26, 1906, in Jiquilpan, Mexico, into a musical family. His father taught him to play trumpet, and he joined his father's family orchestra that performed at festivals and private functions. In 1926, Mendez moved to the United States. He first played in the company bands where he worked at steel and automobile plants in Indiana and Michigan. He met and married his wife, Amor Rodriguez, while playing in orchestras in the Detroit area.

By the mid-1930s, Mendez was playing full time professionally. He played with the Rudy Vallee band in New York and then moved to California in 1937. His twin sons, who would later perform with him, were born shortly thereafter. From 1939 to 1949, Mendez headed the brass section for the MGM Studio Orchestra. He played trumpet solos for several films and performed concerts and began recordings. He began his solo career in 1950 and for 25 years toured the U.S. and Europe. He played with symphonies and popular orchestras and performed for heads of state. During this time he made several records, including a dozen with Decca; and he composed and wrote arrangements.

When asthma led to his retirement from performing in 1975, Mendez continued to compose and write music until his death in 1981. He died at age 75 in his home at Encino, California. He was survived by his wife, two sons and five grandchildren. Arizona State University houses a huge Mendez library that includes more than a thousand works.
- IMDb mini biography by: SimonJack

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6767 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.