Charlie Shavers(1917-1971)

Noted for his bravura performances, Charles James Shavers is remembered as one of the most talented and energetic trumpet virtuosos of the big band era. He had music in his blood. His father was an accomplished master of the instrument, as was his older brother. The legendary Fats Navarro (1923-1950) was another relation, albeit a distant one. Charlie began on banjo and piano before being persuaded to switch to trumpet. He first gigged with minor bands in New York and Philadelphia after which followed stints with Tiny Bradshaw (1936), and, briefly, Lucky Millinder (1937). In November 1937, he joined the Sextet of John Kirby at the Onyx Club as arranger and trumpeter. At the time, this organisation was known as 'The Biggest Little Band in the Land', including among its lineup top musicians like Buster Bailey, Billy Kyle and Russell Procope. Shavers stayed for seven years during the heyday of the John Kirby Sextet, composing the jazz standard "Undecided" (which later became a hit for Ella Fitzgerald) and "Pastel Blue" (later reincarnated as "Why Begin Again", following the addition of lyrics).

In 1944, Charlie left Kirby and worked for a spell as a session musician with Raymond Scott's orchestra at CBS. In February 1945, he was hired by Tommy Dorsey as regular trumpet soloist, remaining on and off for the next eleven years (he was, actually, the first African-American musician to work in Dorsey's band). Charlie affectionately nicknamed his boss 'the wonderful tyrant'. During the 1950's and 60's, Charlie played in, led or co-led smaller groups, recorded with Nat 'King' Cole and Buddy Rich and toured with Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic. He performed extensively in Europe (for the final time in 1970), as well touring Japan, Hong Kong, Canada and South America. Adept at all genres of mainstream jazz (but very much averse to 'free jazz'), he made a number of successful records as a solo artist. His own personal favorite among his albums was "Shavers, Gershwin And Strings", released in June 1955 by Bethlehem Records with arrangements by Sy Oliver. A popular personality with audiences and fellow musicians alike, Charlie died of throat cancer in July 1971 at the untimely age of 50.