Alois "Al" Hirt (1922-99)	Apr 29 99

Legendary jazz trumpeter Alois Maxwell “Al” Hirt died on April 27, 1999. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, Hirt was acclaimed for his diverse talents ranging from his performances for eight U.S. Presidents, including an appearance at John F. Kennedy’s inauguration, his numerous Superbowl appearances, and his 1987 performance for Pope John Paul II’s visit to New Orleans. Hirt began his collaboration with clarinetist Pete Fountain in 1955, and during the 60’s had such mainstream hits as Cotton Candy and Java, for which he won a Grammy. He incorporated Latin, pop, jazz, Dixieland, and classical works into his concerts, and recorded over 50 albums in his career, including 4 gold and 1 platinum albums. In addition to his Grammy award, Hirt won Playboy Magazine’s World’s Top Trumpeter in 15 different years, was named Artist of the Year by the Music Operators of America, and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Charlie “Bird” Parker Memorial Foundation. He appeared on film and television, and enjoyed a standing room only performance at Carnegie Hall in 1965. Hirt got his first trumpet from a pawnshop at age 6, and studied classical trumpet at the Cincinnati Conservatory. His first professional work was as bugler at the Louisiana Fairgrounds in 1939, and he later performed with the 82nd Army Air Force Band. Hirt freelanced with swing bands led by Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Ray McKinley, Benny Goodman, and Horace Heidt, and later formed his own band which became the house band at Dan Levy’s Pier 600 Club. Hirt was a lifetime member of the A.F. of M. Local 179-496. His wife, Beverly Essel Hirt, six children, three stepchildren, a sister and a brother, and sixteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren survive him. Source: P. Stegman, Manager, Al Hirt; Geocities Website

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