Roy Eldridge

Trumpet Player

Birthday January 30, 1911

Birth Sign Aquarius

Birthplace Pennsylvania

DEATH DATE Feb 26, 1989 (78)

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About

Influential swing musician who is known for his tritone substitutions and distinct style.

Before Fame

He played with many traveling groups around the Midwest after learning how to play piano, drums, and trumpet.

Trivia

He joined Gene Krupa's Orchestra in 1941, making him one of the first black musicians to be invited on as a permanent member of a white big band.

Family Life

He was married to a woman named Viola who passed away three weeks before Eldridge.

Associated With

Eldridge performed in a band founded and run by Artie Shaw in 1944 before leaving and beginning his own big band.