Kenneth “Red” Norvo
March 31, 1908 – April 6, 1999
Red Norvo was a pioneering musician who helped introduce the xylophone and vibraphone into jazz. Throughout a long and successful career that he launched in 1925, Norvo played with the likes of Paul Whiteman, Benny Goodman, Billie Holiday, and Frank Sinatra. He also recorded several albums of his own. Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, Norvo was a frequent performing guest on Dinah Shore’s popular weekly variety television program. During the mid ’80s, Norvo suffered a serious stroke which forced him into retirement. He was 91 when he passed away on April 6, 1999.