Herb Alpert

On Monday, August 24th, 2009, the International Trumpet Guild honored Herb Alpert with its Honorary Award. Herbert Alpert was born on March 31, 1935 in Los Angeles, California. He began playing the trumpet in elementary school and by the age of sixteen had formed a band that performed regularly for weddings and parties and in clubs. In 1962 he created the sound that brought him worldwide fame with his group, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.

For seven years TJB performed, recording twelve albums (additional recordings were released later, most recently Whipped Cream and Other Delights – Rewhipped in 2006). TJB disbanded in 1969, and Alpert embarked on a solo career. His biggest instrumental hit, "Rise" (from the album of the same name), was released in 1979 and received a Grammy Award. In 1987 Alpert collaborated with the R&B production team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and released the single “Diamonds.” In 1990, he began recording North on South Street – a work that fused hip-hop and techno dance beats with jazz improvisation. Alpert is currently touring with his wife, vocalist Lani Hall. According to the website www.herbalpert.com, Alpert has had: “5 #1 popular hits, 8 Grammy awards, 14 Platinum and 15 gold albums – plus a staggering 72 million albums sold worldwide.”

In 1982 the Herb Alpert Foundation was created. A well-known philanthropist, “the Herb Alpert Foundation funds deserving arts and education programs selected by Alpert and his wife Lani for their effectiveness in reaching groups and communities that would benefit most from such cultural assistance.” Among the beneficiaries of Alpert’s philanthropy is the International Trumpet Guild. Every two years the Herb Alpert Foundation co-sponsors the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition. The next Carmine Caruso Competition will be held on October 9 & 10, 2009, at the University of South Carolina.

On Monday, August 24th, 2009, ITG Vice President/President-elect Kevin Eisensmith traveled to the Herb Alpert Foundation in Santa Monica, California and met with Ms. Rona Sebastian, President of the Foundation. Sebastian accepted the ITG Honorary Award on behalf of Alpert, making him the 22nd recipient of this prestigious award in the organization’s 35-year history. The conference room in the Herb Alpert Foundation, where the award was presented, is filled with original artwork created by Alpert.
The International Trumpet Guild is pleased to recognize Mr. Alpert for his outstanding contributions to music, and for continued support of the arts.

Kevin Eisensmith and Herb Alpert Foundation President,
Rona Sebastian

Herb Alpert Foundation Conference Room

Herb Alpert Foundation Conference Room