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(1908-1999)
Red Norvo, born Kenneth Norville in Illinois, was the first great jazz xylophone and vibraharp player. His lengthy career spanned nearly every era of jazz and he made contributions to each one. Stints with the orchestras of Paul Whiteman and Charlie Barnet resulted in important recordings. Another notable collaboration was the orchestra Norvo led with his first wife, vocalist Mildred Bailey. During the years of their marriage, the couple was known as "Mr. and Mrs. Swing." Norvo was a vital member of Benny Goodman’s sextet of the 1940s and also led a band that featured Charle Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and Teddy Wilson. Norvo impacted the Bop era as leader of a memorable trio that also included Charles Mingus and Tal Farlow in the 1950s. As long as his health permitted, Norvo continued to tour internationally and record. In 1998, Norvo was presented with the first ASCAP Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in jazz.
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