American Songbook Blogs

October 26, 1913 – September 4, 1991

Charlie Barnet was a tremendous musician (tenor sax), composer and big band leader through the 1930s and into the 1950s. He transformed, disbanded, reorganized and resurrected his hard swinging band numerous times throughout his career. He was a tremendous champion of both the Duke Ellington and Count Basie bands, He had major recording hits with “Cherokee, arranged by Billy May) ” “Skyliner” (arranged by Neal Hefti). As well as several other hits, all contributed to our American Songbook.