November 7, 1922 – April 27, 1999 Al Hirt was an American trumpeter and bandleader. He is best remembered for his million-selling recordings of “Java” and the accompanying album Honey in the Horn (1963), and for the theme music to The Green Hornet. Hirt had various nicknames including “Jumbo” and “The Round Mound of Sound”.
After a stint as a bugler in the US Army during World War II, Hirt performed with various swing big bands including those of Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey and Benny Goodman. .
In 1950, Hirt became first trumpet and featured soloist with Horace Heidt’s Orchestra. After spending several years on the road with Heidt, Hirt returned to New Orleans working with various Dixieland groups and leading his own bands.
He received eight GRAMMY nominations during his lifetime, including winning the GRAMMY Award in 1964 for his version of “Java”. Al Hirt left an incredible legacy of of trumpet mastery blended with his own marvelous style. He continues to inspire musicians all over the world, generation after generation. Happy Happy Birthday Jumboi! We still love ya!
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