Died On This Date (January 13, 2012) Phil Kraus / World Renonwed Percussionist
themusicsover Phil Kraus
1918 – January 13, 2012
Living up to his motto, “Have Percussion, Will Travel,” Phil Kraus is one of the most recorded percussionists in history. Kraus was just 8 years old when he began playing the xylophone, and upon graduation from high school, he was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Julliard School of Music. After graduating, he was hired by WNEW to play in the studio band. After serving during WWII, Kraus became one of the industry’s most in-demand session players, and he would continue to be as such through the 1970s. He also played in the studio band for numerous television programs. Over the years, he graced recordings by and/or shared the stage with such luminaries as Benny Goodman, Tony Bennett, Ella Fitzgerald, Buddy Holly, Quincy Jones, Billie Holiday and Ray Charles. On May 19, 1962, he was playing in the orchestra at Madison Square Garden when Marilyn Monroe famously sang, “Happy Birthday To You,” to President John F. Kennedy. In later years, Kraus worked with the Houston Symphony and Houston Pops. He also taught percussion at Rice University. Phil Kraus was 93 when he passed away on January 13, 2012.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.