16 Facts About Jimmy Giuffre

James Peter Giuffre was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer, and arranger.

Jimmy Giuffre is known for developing forms of jazz which allowed for free interplay between the musicians, anticipating forms of free improvisation.

Jimmy Giuffre was born in Dallas, Texas, United States, the son of Joseph Francis Giuffre and Everet McDaniel Giuffre.

Jimmy Giuffre was a graduate of Dallas Technical High School and North Texas State Teachers College.

Jimmy Giuffre first became known as an arranger for Woody Herman's big band, for which he wrote "Four Brothers".

Jimmy Giuffre would continue to write creative, unusual arrangements throughout his career.

Jimmy Giuffre was a central figure in West Coast jazz and cool jazz.

Jimmy Giuffre became a member of Howard Rumsey's Lighthouse All Stars in 1951 as a full-time All Star, along with Shorty Rogers and Shelly Manne.

Jimmy Giuffre left the band in September 1953 and became a member of Shorty Rogers and His Giants before going solo.

At this point in his career, Jimmy Giuffre predominantly played tenor and baritone saxophone.

In 1959, Jimmy Giuffre led a trio featuring Hall and bassist Buddy Clark on a concert in Rome, Italy, sharing the bill with Gerry Mulligan's band.

In 1961, Jimmy Giuffre formed a new trio with pianist Paul Bley and Steve Swallow on double bass, and began to focus his attention largely on the clarinet.

Jimmy Giuffre added instruments including bass flute and soprano saxophone to his arsenal.

Jimmy Giuffre recorded with Joe McPhee, and revived the trio with Bley and Swallow.

Jimmy Giuffre suffered from Parkinson's disease and in his last years he no longer performed.

Jimmy Giuffre died of pneumonia in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on April 24,2008, two days short of his 87th birthday.