Chick Webb

Van Alexander co-wrote “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” with Ella Fitzgerald while both worked in the Chick Webb Orchestra back in 1938. The success of that song led to a job as arranger for Webb as well as Benny Goodman and Paul Whiteman and super stardom for Ella. Van formed his own band during the wonderful swing era but gave it up to work in the movies when Bing Crosby offered him a job in 1948.

Armand Zildjian had many friends in the music industry and even years after his passing, the stories of Armand and his role in the industry seem to be everywhere.  As president of the Avedis Zildjian Company, Armand oversaw the cymbal manufacturing that was part of his family since it was first established in 1623.  Armand worked in the Norwell, Massachusetts plants during the innovative jazz era.  He was good friends with many of the leading players who provided Armand with ideas on improving the product line.  These jazz drummers included Chick Webb, Gene Krupa, Ray Bauduc and B