Swing trumpeter and singer, born in Hilbert, Wisconsin, USA. He epitomized the Jazz Era, starring in dance bands at the University of Wisconsin as an undergraduate - tall, dark, and handsome playing love songs in a raccoon coat. He won featured billing with several orchestras including Benny Goodman (19356, where he had his first hits Sometimes I'm Happy and King Porter Stomp), and twice with Tommy Dorsey (1937 with a hit song Marie, and 1940). Before and after the stints with Dorsey, he led his own band, but in spite of a huge hit playing and singing I Can't Get Started With You, his business sense was hopeless, even when he was sober. His health disintegrated, and he died at 34.
Bunny Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942) was an early, great jazz trumpeter.
Early life
He was born Rowland Bernard Berigan in Hilbert, Wisconsin and raised in what he considered his hometown of Fox Lake, Wisconsin.
Returning in 1931, Berigan, along with trumpet virtuoso Manny Klein, quickly became one of the most sought-after studio musicians of the era, playing for, in addition to Kemp, Fred Rich, Freddy Martin and Ben Selvin.
From late 1932 through 1933, Berigan was employed by Paul Whiteman and in 1934 by Abe Lyman.
He continued freelancing in the recording and radio studios, most notably with the Dorsey Brothers, and Glenn Miller (on Miller's first date as leader in 1935). Berigan was also in Benny Goodman's band when it made the now-famous rags-to-riches tour that ended up with the success at the Palomar Ballroom.
Fame
Berigan then spent some time with Tommy Dorsey's orchestra, culminating with a spectacular solo on Dorsey's "Marie". Later, after Berigan's death, Armstrong would return the compliment by saying that the only thing wrong with Berigan was that he died too young.
Before long, Bunny got the itch to lead his own band, and did so for about three years. Although he made some great records, his band wasn't a financial success, and Berigan wasn't blessed with the greatest business sense. Musicians of note who passed through Berigan's band during those days included Buddy Rich, Davie Tough, Danny Richards, Joe Bushkin, Ray Conniff, Ruth Bradley, Hank Wayland, Bama Warwick, Helen Ward, Sid Weiss, Morty Stuhlmaker, Hymie Shertzer, Bob Jenney, Al Jennings, Buddy Koss, Steve Lipkins, Kathleen Lane, Joe Dixon, Georgie Auld, Joe Lipman, George Wettling, Clyde Rounds, and Tommy Morgan.
Last years
It became necessary for Berigan to declare bankruptcy in 1940, and he then rejoined Tommy Dorsey's band for a brief time.
After leaving Dorsey, he again formed a small group, playing mainly one-night engagements.
He did neither, returned to New York City, and suffered a massive hemorrhage on May 30, 1942.
Bunny Berigan left behind his wife, Donna, and two young daughters Patricia and Joyce.
Iconic figure
His 1937 recording of 'I Can't Get Started' was used in the 1973 film Save the Tiger, the Roman Polanski film Chinatown, and a Martin Scorsese short film,The Big Shave, made in 1967.
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