Pete Candoli; was a leading trumpeter of big-band era
LOS ANGELES - Pete Candoli, one of the top high-note lead trumpeters in jazz who performed with some of the leading figures of the big-band era, has died. He was 84.
Mr. Candoli, whose brother, Conte, also was an acclaimed trumpeter, died Jan. 11 of prostate cancer at his home in the Studio City district of the city, said Sheryl Deauville, his life partner of 22 years.
Born in Mishawaka, Ind., Mr. Candoli forged a six-decade career and was featured in bands led by Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Tex Beneke, and Les Brown.
While with Herman's First Herd during World War II, he became known for his excellent high register work and even wore a Superman costume while performing the specialty number "Superman With a Horn."
He moved to the West Coast in the early 1950s and established himself as an excellent studio musician. He can be heard on two of Henry Mancini's "Peter Gunn" albums and was sometimes seen playing in the background on the television show.
According to his website, Pete Candoli also arranged and conducted for Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee. Frank Sinatra often would fly him to Las Vegas for gigs.
The Candoli brothers also were featured several times with the "Tonight Show" band for Johnny Carson.
A gifted showman, Mr. Candoli perfected a gravelly impression of Louis Armstrong that became near-legendary.
"The first time I did my version of Louis was when I was touring in Japan with Benny Carter and a bunch of all-stars," Mr. Candoli told jazz writer Don Heckman. "At that time the biggest thing in Japan other than the national anthem was [Armstrong's recording of] 'When You're Smiling.' So when somebody found out I could sing like Louis - that was it, I had to do it at every concert."
