Buddy Childers

During his decade-plus stint as the lead trumpeter in the legendary big bands of Stan Kenton, Buddy Childers was the indomitable warhorse anchoring some of the most progressive and physically demanding arrangements in all of jazz. Born Marion Childers in St. Louis on February 12, 1926, he began playing trumpet at 12. Within two years he was gigging as a professional musician, and his talent was so prodigious that he joined Kenton at just 16. Months later, when Kenton terminated the Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra's three other trumpeters, Childers immediately vaulted to the lead ...