Bunny Berigan

Bunny Berigan
Background information
Birth nameRoland Bernard Berigan
Born(1908-11-02)November 2, 1908
Hilbert, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedJune 2, 1942(1942-06-02) (aged 33)
New York City, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader
Instrument(s)Trumpet, vocals
Years active1930–1942

Roland Bernard "Bunny" Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who rose to fame during the swing era.[1] His career and influence were shortened by alcoholism, and ended with his early demise at the age of 33 from cirrhosis. Although he composed some jazz instrumentals such as "Chicken and Waffles" and "Blues", Berigan was best known for his virtuoso jazz trumpeting. His 1937 classic recording "I Can't Get Started" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1975.

  1. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1992). The Guinness Who's Who of Jazz (First ed.). Guinness Publishing. pp. 44/5. ISBN 0-85112-580-8.