11 Facts About Herbie Fields

Herbie Fields attended New York's famed Juilliard School of Music and served in the US Army from 1941 to 1943.

Herbie Fields began recording in 1944 with two sides for Bob Thiele's Signature label.

Herbie Fields replaced Earl Bostic, as alto saxophonist in Lionel Hampton's band.

Herbie Fields was fluent in a variety of reed instruments, from clarinet to baritone saxophone.

Herbie Fields was a good tenor player but not in the bebop style.

Herbie Fields was more of a "honker" and played what they called rhythm and blues.

Herbie Fields did that very well but he wasn't a Birdland-style attraction.

Herbie Fields's recording activity in the fifties was sporadic, and ranged from a few more big band sides, honking jukebox tunes, bop-tinged small groups, and finally a reeds and strings session released after his death by Fraternity.

Herbie Fields lived in Miami, and had owned a restaurant there, the Rancher, in North Miami.

Herbie Fields had a trio, himself, Skeets McLane and Cookie Norwood that played at the Rancher.

Herbie Fields ended his life with an overdose of sleeping pills in Miami on September 17,1958.