Artie Shapiro

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Oral History Information

Interview Date
Birth Date
Deceased Date
Job Title
Musician

Artie Shapiro played the double bass during the golden era of the big bands. His approach to the bass was steeped in the tradition of his classical background. Studio orchestras soon hired him, where he worked extensively for live radio programs. Artie gained a fine reputation for sight-reading, which made him equally at home for symphonic works as well as radio dramas and jazz. When Paul Whiteman heard Artie perform in New York, the self proclaimed King of Jazz hired Artie on the spot to join his orchestra.