Norman Granz
- Born:
- August 6, 1918, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Died:
- January 22, 2001, Geneva, Switzerland
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Jazz Impresario, Record Producer
Early Life and Education
- Granz was born in Los Angeles, California, to Ukrainian immigrant parents.
- He studied sociology and economics at UCLA, becoming interested in jazz through the Central Avenue jazz scene.
- Witnessing racial segregation at concerts fueled his commitment to integration in jazz performances.
Career and Major Achievements
- Granz is best known for his Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) concert series, starting in 1944.
- JATP concerts were groundbreaking for their integrated lineups and performances in a segregated America.
- He founded several influential record labels, including Clef Records (1946), Norgran Records (1953), and Verve Records (1956).
- Sold Verve Records to MGM in 1960 but continued to manage and produce artists.
- In 1973, he founded Pablo Records, dedicated to showcasing established jazz artists.
- Known for championing and producing recordings for Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Charlie Parker, and many others.
- He resided in Europe for several decades, primarily in Switzerland.
Notable Works
Jazz at the Philharmonic
Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts were a defining force in popularizing jazz and promoting racial equality within the music scene.
Record Labels
- Clef Records: Early label featuring Charlie Parker, Lester Young.
- Norgran Records: Short-lived but significant label.
- Verve Records: Major label responsible for many classic recordings by Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, and Stan Getz.
- Pablo Records: Focused on established jazz musicians like Count Basie and Joe Pass.
Legacy and Impact
Norman Granz significantly impacted the jazz world as a promoter, producer, and advocate for racial equality. His concert series and record labels helped elevate the status of jazz music and its performers, leaving an enduring legacy.
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