One of the most famous American band leaders of the swing era, the clarinettist Artie Shaw, has died. He died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 94.
His 1938 recording of the Cole Porter tune “Begin the Beguine” helped make him one of the most famous and highly-paid musicians in the US at the time.
Shaw was one of the biggest names in the jazz scene during the 1930s and 40s, alongside artists such as Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.
One of the most famous members of his original band was the then-unknown blues singer Billie Holiday, who went on to become one of the icons of the era.
In 2002, Shaw released a CD box set called Self Portrait that included some never released recordings.
He received a lifetime achievement Grammy Award in 2004.
Source: bbc
