to 1939
to 1957
to Featured Artists




CHARLIE BARNET (b. NY, NY, Oct. 26, 1913; d. Sept.4, 1991) played with his first band when he was 16, and by the time he was 20 he had formed his first big band. By 26, he had a hit with "Cherokee" (1939) and a reputation as a fine saxophonist and swing bandleader. Like Benny Goodman, he racially integrated his band early on, and he thrived during the age of big bands, appearing in several movies. He also had an eye for young talent, and discovered many budding artists, such as Lena Horne.