Whiteman, Paul (1890-1967), was a famous American orchestra conductor. He was often called the “King of Jazz.” In 1919, Whiteman introduced “symphonic jazz.” Later he conducted the first performances of such compositions as George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue (1924) and Ferde Grofe’s Grand Canyon Suite (1931), both of which show jazz influences.
Whiteman was born in Denver, Colorado, and played first viola in the Denver Symphony Orchestra while in his teens. After World War I, he formed his own orchestra and toured the United States and Europe. In the 1930’s, Whiteman became a popular conductor on radio programs. In 1943, he became musical director of the Blue Network, which later became the ABC television network. See also Grofe, Ferde .
