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Violinist Joe Venuti – Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame

Violinist Joe Venuti

(1902-1978)

Like many early jazz greats, violinist Joe Venuti was classically trained, but his brilliant timing and ability to perform electrifying violin solos set him apart from the crowd. On top of being naturally gifted, he devised a technique that allowed him to play four-note chords.

Joe Venuti’s impressive musical abilities placed him in high demand in New York City, where he often worked with childhood friend and guitar virtuoso, Eddie Lang. Together they astounded musicians and fans by blazing the trail for how jazz was to be played on their respective instruments. Joe Venuti performed brilliantly for more than fifty years and remained active until his death in 1978.

The Classic Columbia and Okeh Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang Sessions

Eight-CD Limited Edition Box Set

The Classic Columbia and Okeh Joe Venuti and Eddie Lang Sessions

Joe Venuti
If you’re going to make a mistake, make it loud so everybody else sounds wrong.

Music by Joe Venuti

Joe Venuti – Violin Jazz Joe Venuti – Original Recordings 1926-1931

Joe in Chicago (1978) Joe Venuti The Fabulous Joe Venuti: 15 Jazz Classics

Jazz Legends Joe Venuti and Earl Fatha Hines Hot Sonatas (1975 Session)Violinist Joe Venuti and Swing Pianist Dave McKenna Alone at the Palace

Jazz Legends Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang

Eddie Lang & Joe Venuti – The New York Sessions: 1926-1935 Remastered The Joe Venuti & Eddie Lang Collection 1926-1933 – The Jazz Legends Series

Autumn Leaves

Tony Romano and Joe Venuti

Song by Yves Montand and Irène Joachim (1945)

In 2000 Joe Venuti was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame.

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Guitarist Eddie Lang – Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame

Guitarist Eddie Lang

(1902-1933)

Guitarist Eddie Lang introduced the popular string instrument to a wider audience and forever changed the way that people listened to music. His versatility and musical talent made it possible for the humble guitar to rise to an elevated status in the jazz, blues, and classical genres. His career included collaborations with with such renowned artists as Louis Armstrong, Hoagy Carmichael, Bix Biederbecke, Benny Goodman, King Oliver, Bessie Smith, and Paul Whiteman.

He also played under the name “Blind Willie Dunn” on a number of blues records with Alonzo “Lonnie” Johnson, an African-American blues and jazz singer, guitarist, violinist, and songwriter. Eddie Lang showed no tolerance for racism and appeared on more recording sessions with black musicians than any other white musician of his time.

The jazz guitar virtuoso became friends with legendary singer Bing Crosby and often served as his accompanist. Eddie Lang’s most famous association was with childhood friend and violinist Joe Venuti, with whom he recorded many titles.

Eddie Lang’s career was cut short in 1933 when complications arose after what was supposed to be a routine tonsillectomy. He was only 30 when he died.