Charlie Barnet, a saxophonist of great acclaim, was born into a family of significant means, with parents who were esteemed lawyers, and as such, they initially harbored expectations that their son would follow in their professional footsteps and pursue a career in law.
Charlie's musical odyssey commenced in the late 1920s, marked by his initial foray into playing the saxophone in various orchestras, a precursor to his eventual decision to form his own band in 1933. Nevertheless, it wasn't until 1939 that he gained widespread recognition, courtesy of the release of his iconic theme, "Cherokee", which remarkably became a major hit that same year.
Charlie's remarkable career was marked by his esteemed privilege of guiding and partnering with a multitude of gifted musicians, a list that included the illustrious Billy May, the accomplished pianist Bill Miller, and the captivating vocalists Mary Ann McCall and the legendary Lena Horne, who shared the recording studio with him in 1941, a year that would forever be etched in the annals of his illustrious journey.
His singular style on the saxophone was profoundly shaped by the masters, a list that prominently featured the incomparable Coleman Hawkins on tenor saxophone and the inimitable Johnny Hodges on alto saxophone, two titans whose impact on the genre would forever be felt in his own unique and captivating sound.
Charlie's remarkable musical talent was undoubtedly what truly set him apart from others, as his breathtaking and elegant soprano sax playing capabilities garnered widespread acclaim and admiration from his peers and fans alike, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of experiencing his mesmerizing performances.
