Died: 2003 AD
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1907 – Born on August 8th in Harlem. American musician and composer, was the elder statesman of jazz, one of the most original and influential swing era saxophonists, and a pioneer arranger who helped set the big band style.
1928 – Made his recording and arranging debut as a member of Charlie Johnson’s Orchestra.
1931-1936 – His compositions, which include When Lights Are Low and Blues in My Heart, became jazz and big band standards.
– Carter left the U.S. for France ending up in England as a staff arranger for Henry Hall’s BBC house radio band.
1937 – He played a season at a Dutch seaside resort leading a big interracial and international band, the first successful unit of its kind in jazz history.
1941 – Carter formed a short-lived sextet consisting of musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and Jimmy Hamilton.
1943 – He appeared in MGM’s Thousands Cheer with Lena Horne.
1946 – Benny Carter disbanded his big band, in part, because of his growing Hollywood career.
1959 – He played, arranged and composed for a large group on the Aspects release.
1979 – Married to Hilma Ollila Arons.
1986 – He was the NEA Jazz Master.
1987 – He won a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy.
1988 – He was inducted in the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.
1996 – Received the Kennedy Center Honor.
2000 – Recipient of the National Medal of Arts.
2003 – Died from complications of bronchitis at the age of 95 on July 12th.