Date of Birth: May 4, 1928
Zodiac Sign: Taurus
Date of Death: August 23, 2006
Biography
Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader, renowned for his ability to play in the upper register with ease and flair. Born in Verdun, Quebec, Ferguson was a child prodigy who started his career early and rapidly rose to fame. He first played professionally at the age of 13 and went on to join the big bands of Boyd Raeburn and Jimmy Dorsey in the 1940s. By the 1950s, Ferguson was a significant figure in the jazz world, performing with Stan Kenton’s orchestra and eventually forming his own big band, which became known for its high-energy performances and innovative arrangements. Ferguson’s career spanned over six decades, during which he experimented with various musical styles, including bebop, jazz fusion, and classical music. He gained mainstream success with his recording of the “Gonna Fly Now” theme from the movie “Rocky” in 1977, which became a pop hit. Maynard Ferguson continued to tour and record until his death, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the world of jazz.
5 Interesting Facts about Maynard Ferguson
1. Maynard Ferguson was a child prodigy who started playing the trumpet at the age of 9 and was performing professionally by 13.
2. He was known for his extraordinary ability to play in the trumpet’s upper register, often hitting notes that were considered incredibly difficult.
3. Ferguson played with the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the early 1950s, which significantly boosted his career.
4. His 1977 recording of “Gonna Fly Now,” the theme from “Rocky,” reached No. 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him widespread acclaim.
5. In addition to his work in jazz, Ferguson also dabbled in classical music, recording an album of classical trumpet concertos.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Maynard Ferguson
1. “I play the way I do because it allows me to express myself fully.”
2. “Music is the ultimate form of communication. The audience feels what you feel.”
3. “Every performance is a journey, and I love taking the audience along for the ride.”
4. “High notes are just another color on the palette. They’re there to be used when needed.”
5. “Jazz is about freedom and creativity, pushing the boundaries of what music can be.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Maynard Ferguson’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.
Children
Maynard Ferguson had three daughters: Corby, Wilder, and Lisa.
Relevant Links
1. [Maynard Ferguson on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/maynard-ferguson-mn0000391675
2. [Maynard Ferguson Official Website](http://www.maynardferguson.com/
3. [Maynard Ferguson Biography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maynard_Ferguson
4. [Maynard Ferguson on IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0272343/
5. [Maynard Ferguson’s Discography](https://www.discogs.com/artist/253869-Maynard-Ferguson
