From here:
Artie Shaw, the bandleader who was an integral part of the Big Band era, died Thursday at his home in Thousand Oaks, California. He was 94.Shaw had been battling adult onset diabetes. His personal assistant, Larry Rose, said he likely died of complications of the disease.
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One of the most successful bandleaders of the 1930s and 40s, he walked away from the music business in the 50s to concentrate on writing.
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At 28, his band recorded "Begin the Beguine," arguably his biggest hit, and a chart topper for six weeks in 1938. He was also a successful jazz clarinettist.
He worked with the legends: Buddy Rich, Mel Torme, Gordon Jenkins, and Billie Holiday.
He was also known for his famous wives. He was married to Lana Turner, Ava Gardner, Evelyn Keyes, and author Kathleen Winsor.
FYI: Another of his finest hits was "My Blue Heaven." Of course, that song has been done by just about everyone, but I defy you to find a more enjoyable version than Mr. Shaw's...
Article comments
1 - DrPat
Artie Shaw continued to make appearances with his band, even after he was no longer playing and conducting. Six or seven years ago we went to a New Year's Eve party at the Disneyland Hotel Ballroom where they performed, and Shaw was convinced to get up and play. (Begin the Beguine, of course.)
2 - jerry
No he did not play Begin the Beguine, he conducted the band. Artie did not play commercially since 1954.