Getz, Stan (1927-1991), was an American jazz tenor saxophonist known for his light, smooth tone and lyrical approach to improvisation. Getz rose to fame in the late 1940’s, playing a style known as cool jazz (see Jazz (Cool jazz)). His recordings of “Desafinado” (1962) and “The Girl from Ipanema” (1963) helped popularize the style called bossa nova. This style blends the melodies and rhythms of Brazilian sambas with the improvisations and harmonies of American jazz.
Stanley Getz was born in Philadelphia on Feb. 2, 1927. He began his career with the Jack Teagarden band in 1943 and earned recognition with Woody Herman’s orchestra from 1947 to 1949. He recorded his first famous solo in “Early Autumn” with Herman’s orchestra in 1948. Getz formed a quartet in 1949. He made his first bossa nova recording in 1962. Getz continued to lead a successful combo during the 1970’s and 1980’s. He died on June 6, 1991.
