School of Music and
Herberger College honors Doc Severinsen

Doc Severinsen

One of contemporary America's most legendary musicians, Doc Severinsen, has been honored by both the School of Music and the Herberger College of Fine Arts. The school designated Doc as Distinguished Visiting Professor of Music for the 2001-2002 academic year, and the Herberger College named him as the first holder of the Katherine K. Herberger Heritage Chair for Visiting Artists.

"Doc is one of the best known musicians in America and, in addition to his being one of the best trumpeters to have ever lived, he has become a prominent pops conductor," notes Wayne Bailey, Director of the School of Music. "His interaction with our students and audiences is an exciting addition to our offerings here at ASU. His presence is invigorating and enjoyable for all of us.

In September, Severinsen acknowledged the appointments with a visit to the ASU campus that included a public interview by veteran newscaster Hugh Downs. The two-hour session was before a standing-room-only audience in the Evelyn Smith Music Theatre and attracted members of both the university and metropolitan communities. The evening's topics ranged from Severinsen's views on music education to anecdotes from his days on the big band circuit.

No stranger to the Valley, Severinsen is in his 18th season as Principal Pops Conductor for The Phoenix Symphony. His signature of superb trumpet playing, quick-witted banter and original style of showmanship are what make Severinsen one of today's pre-eminent instrumentalists.

During his career, Doc has recorded nearly 40 albums, ranging in style from big band to jazz to classical. In the past year, he has performed at more than 70 concerts in 40 cities across the country.

Severinsen, who achieved international fame as the colorful Music Director of The Tonight Show, has an impressive history to share with students while he is Distinguished Visiting Professor of Music in the School of Music. A dynamic and dazzling instrumentalist, Severinsen travels the country to perform and conduct with his own 15-piece Big Band, as well as with ensembles ranging from symphonic orchestras to jazz bands. In addition to his position with The Phoenix Symphony, Severinsen is Principal Pops Conductor of the Colorado Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony and Minnesota Orchestra.

Doc's accomplishments began in his hometown of Arlington, Oregon. Carl H. Severinsen was born on July 7, 1927, and was nicknamed "Little Doc" after his father, Dr. Carl Severinsen, a dentist. Little Doc had originally wanted to play the trombone, but his father (a gifted amateur violinist) urged him to study the violin. The younger Severinsen insisted on the trombone, but had to settle for the only horn available in Arlington's small music store -- a trumpet. A week later, with the help of his father and a book of instructions, the seven year old was so good that he was invited to join the high school band.

At the age of 12, Severinsen won the Music Educator's National Contest, and while still high school, was hired to tour with the famous Ted Fio Orchestra. But his stay with the group was cut short by the draft. He served in the Army during World War II and following his discharge, landed a spot with the Charlie Barnet Band. Following the breakup of that band, Doc toured with the Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman bands in the late 1940s.

Following his big band days, Doc arrived in New York City in 1949 to become a staff musician for NBC. After years of playing with the peacock network's studio bands, Severinsen was invited to do a gig with the highly respected The Tonight Show band. The group's conductor, Skitch Henderson, was so impressed that he asked Severinsen to join that band in 1962 as first trumpet. Five years later, Doc took over as Music Director for The Tonight Show and stayed with the show until Johnny Carson retired in 1992.

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