Buddy DeFranco

Buddy DeFranco’s clarinet style helped to legitimize the instrument in the post-swing era as a modern jazz instrument and his techniques have been a major influence on performers ever since the late 1940s. Buddy’s powerful tone and unique approach to phrasing gave rise to the clarinet’s strong presence in the modern and post-modern jazz eras. His popularity led to a long time endorsement relationship with G. Leblanc and a close relationship with some of the industry’s leaders such as Danny Henkin and Vito Pascucci. In later years several models were made for Buddy, each of which h

Frank DeVito  was the drummer and percussionist in

Pat Emmett has had a whirlwind of a musical career! He began playing trombone in junior high school and even took lessons while serving in the US Navy. After earning a degree at North Texas University in their jazz program, Pat hit the road with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, which at that time was being led by Buddy DeFranco. Pat worked for many years in clubs, hotel lounges and even the circus before taking a day job in a Southern California music store. He enjoyed the experience and interacting with his customers, which led to music store gigs in Las Vegas where by night he perfor

Danny Henkin was one of the true characters of the music products industry. He began his career with G. Leblanc Corporation and later worked as sales and marketing manager for Gemeinhardt Flutes – that is, before he bought the company. His background was in advertising and over the years he grew to understand the inner workings of the industry and the business end of those companies he worked with. By the early 1980s, Danny had owned 26 music companies including C.G. Conn, Armstrong Flutes, and King Musical Products. While owner, he also expanded the product line to include a Conn

Jim Widner was given a very special opportunity to join his grade school’s orchestra, which provided him an instrument to play. His love of music was fostered years later when he became a student of his highly influential high school band director. These early experiences set Jim on his path in music, which has included touring with big bands (Stan Kenton, Woody Herman and Buddy DeFranco), teaching (and creating a jazz program at the University of Missouri at St.

Eugene Wright can be heard playing bass on the classic jazz song “Take Five” as a member of the Dave Brubeck Quartet, but what most people may not know is that Eugene fronted his own band for years before joining Dave. Eugene was the leader of the Dukes of Swing and enjoyed a remarkable career in music, which spanned over 60 years both in the studio and on the road. Among the other musicians he performed with were Count Basie, Buddy DeFranco, Billie Holiday and Cal Tjader when he worked alongside drummer Al Torre. He was 97 when he passed away in December 2020.