Jazz Musician. A tenor saxophonist, he was widely regarded as an influential figure of the "West Coast Cool Jazz" genre of the 1950s. Raised in Manhattan Beach, he became acquainted with the clarinet during his early teenage years and progressed rapidly as a performer while in high school. At the age of eighteen, he experienced his first break as he landed a spot in Bobby Sherwood's Band and had further exposure while playing on "The Bob Crosby Radio Program". After this period, he relocated to California and joined Tony Pastor's Band. Following his time with Pastor, he played in a variety of groups of which also included being a fellow band member of Stan Getz and from 1947 until 1955, Pell would make a name for himself as a member of Les Brown's ensemble. Pell will be remembered for leading his own popular group of assorted musicians of which became known as "The Dave Pell Octets". Among their recordings was the widely acclaimed album "I Had the Craziest Dream" (1957). Other albums include "Jazz Goes Dancing, Campus Hop" (1958) and "I Remember John Kirby" (1960). Among one of the composers for his Octets was John Williams who went on to legendary status for "Star Wars" and many other films. In addition, Pell contributed to the film soundtracks for the pictures "Some Like It Hot", "Porgy and Bess" (1959), "Sharky's Machine" (1981) and "Cannonball Run II" (1984).
Jazz Musician. A tenor saxophonist, he was widely regarded as an influential figure of the "West Coast Cool Jazz" genre of the 1950s. Raised in Manhattan Beach, he became acquainted with the clarinet during his early teenage years and progressed rapidly as a performer while in high school. At the age of eighteen, he experienced his first break as he landed a spot in Bobby Sherwood's Band and had further exposure while playing on "The Bob Crosby Radio Program". After this period, he relocated to California and joined Tony Pastor's Band. Following his time with Pastor, he played in a variety of groups of which also included being a fellow band member of Stan Getz and from 1947 until 1955, Pell would make a name for himself as a member of Les Brown's ensemble. Pell will be remembered for leading his own popular group of assorted musicians of which became known as "The Dave Pell Octets". Among their recordings was the widely acclaimed album "I Had the Craziest Dream" (1957). Other albums include "Jazz Goes Dancing, Campus Hop" (1958) and "I Remember John Kirby" (1960). Among one of the composers for his Octets was John Williams who went on to legendary status for "Star Wars" and many other films. In addition, Pell contributed to the film soundtracks for the pictures "Some Like It Hot", "Porgy and Bess" (1959), "Sharky's Machine" (1981) and "Cannonball Run II" (1984).
Bio by: C.S.
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