Stan Kenton Collection

Collection Contents

The collection consists of copies of arrangements. Materials are mostly undated. The suggested range date of the materials is the approximate years in which Mr. Kenton was active as a musician and educator.

Biography

Stanley Newcomb Kenton was a jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. He was born in Wichita, Kansas on December 15, 1911 and died in Los Angeles, California on August 25, 1979. From 1941 to 1948 Mr. Kenton led his own band, the Artistry in Rhythm Orchestra, which gained a national reputation after Capitol released the album "Artistry in Rhythm,” in 1943. In 1950 Kenton assembled his largest band, a 39-piece orchestra named Innovations in Modern Music. Soon after, however, he returned to his usual 19-piece lineup. His last successful experiment was his mellophonium band of 1960-1963. In later years, he dedicated his time to teaching jazz to young musicians.

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