Snooky Young Doc Severinsen

[stangilmer]

This shit is rockin' baby.

[chuckcolson]

is there a year on this video?

[drummerlead]

RIP Snooky!



[jpwonkie]

RIP Snooky.

[warrenclarkable]

He could swing VERY hard. Check him out on the recording "Basie at Birdland". Unreal!!

[brooksvilleguy]

i met him once in '95, he was very cordial, and a fine gentleman. god bless his soul.

[cdaltonsc]

I think Snooky was featured on this tune and the arrangement written for his birthday.

I used to play lead trumpet with the Desert Inn Hotel in Las Vegas. Doc would come in for a month at a time and bring Snooky with him to play lead. Snooky is the best lead player I have ever played with and his lead work on the 1st Thad Jones/Mel Lewis album is unparrelled. He was also a friend and we will all miss him...Bye Snooky.

[Cathomatic1]

Was that the best or what?!?!? And Johnny Carson, bless him, knew that too! He always supported those guys so much....I miss Johnny and that show! The last time I saw Snooky, was at the party held in honor of Ross Tompkins, after he passed away...it was at Micelli's in Hollywood. I took a picture with Snook. He was still damn adorable...what a nice guy he was! sincerely, Cathy Segal-Garcia

[classicontemporary]

R.I.P snooky. from a fan of jazz in Japan.

[miratista]

rip snooky.

[clskmstg]

RIP Snook.  :-(

[ALtpt]

RIP Snooky. 2:25 - 2:37 swings so hard it is simply unbelivable.

[jchandlerhall]

Just incredible.

[dkdzyn]

The loss of a legend. RIP Snooky. Thanks for making the world a more musical place to live in.

[lloyds726209]

Love you Snooky! You will always be in my heart.

PS

Nice one handed Bb!!!!!

[Ricktpt1]

Thanks for all the great playing, Snook. You will be missed.

[j3ffh3lg3sen]

RIP Snooky.

[TheMilesL]

RIP Snooky, you will always be remembered..

[gutjahrmusic]

RIP Snooky

[trumpetcoder]

Rest in peace Snooky. One of the greatest trumpet legends ever! :-(

[1bebopwiz]

Rip Great Grand father...WE love you,whe you speak we listan..Little Jimmy with fast feet..you call me crazy legs..play those drums...



[rsalvucc]

That's history talking, all the way back to Jimmy Lunceford's trumpet section. Look at the bones while he's soloing. They got it.

[WhatTheFlyinFudge]

It 'taint what you do, it's the way HA! t'ya do it...

Snoook's the definition of "One cool, smooth motherfucker".

Fo Shizz...

[wlipman]

Especially when you consider what passes for a band nowadays on late night teevee, good heavens, these were talented men, one better than the next, Snooky being the best proof of my thesis!

[ridingroy]

What an absolute gas to hear Snookie, Doc and all these great musicians !

[DavidYakima]

Man, this Band could SWING!!!! :O)

[debris54]

watching this IS a master class... what a group of top notch player...! just a SMOKIN' solo... and perfect pitch is SOOOOO sweet to my ears

[bargaincountertenor]

@debris54 No Autotune needed here!

[bargaincountertenor]

@debris54 No Autotune needed here!

[jazztrmpter]

Snooky just gave a master class at my University tonight, and to see him play for us at almost 92 years of age...it was probably the most incredible moment of my life.

If I turn out to be half the trumpet player he is, I'll be happy.

[leo2nd74]

Really good.

[poopoo111222333]

I bet Snooky would kick George Jefferson's ass! and Erkil"s

[MisterB2eternity]

OMG I thought that was actor Sherman Hemsley (a.k.a. George Jefferson).

[DancingSpiderman]

Sonovagunn, a stage full of top-notch musicians...

SNOOKIE !! A beautiful moment in TV history!

[poopoo111222333]

Uh - I guess it really is Snooky

[poopoo111222333]

I thought that was erkil

[beeshor1]

I didn't even know Snook could sing! Get 'em Snook!

[ronwood1220]

Snooky is my great uncle and I couldn't be prouder of him.

[linlasj]

@ronwood1220 He is the best. He is. Send him greetings from Sweden.

[tim23z]

Amaazing! There was a time when class meant something. Snooky, Doc, ...Off the charts. Even young folks like me can appreciate excellence.

[wererer2]

hes 94 and still performing!! i saw Snooky and the Clayton Hamilton orchestra two weeks ago!! this guys a beast!!

[stott72]

met Snooky this weekend, he is 91 years old and oozes jazz., everyone needs a little Snooky in their lives

[gpmorgan]

Met Snooky when we went to see the Tonight Show back in 1986 , we were leaving and met up with him in the parking lot and had a quick chat with him.

[sdh74]

If Snooky Young is still alive, he should be about 93 year old. One of the coldest kats to ever pick up a trumpet! And was a part of the great Basie Band of the early 60's.

[captainchipmunk]

Snooky is still alive and living in the LA area. He was still playing with the Clayton-Hamilton Orchestra the last I heard.

[flambogularity121]

he is still alive. He is 91. and is one of my favorite trumpet players of all time. A member of the Count Basie Orchestra, an original member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, and a longtime member of the Tonight Show Band. Such a great musician.

[gswoop40]

Snooky is about 70 years old here. Good stuff. BTW, Doc Severinsen and most of the the people in the band played for Count Basie, Duke Ellington and other great big bands...

[AloofMedia]

God Bless Snooky Young...A TRUE American Treasure. And he's STILL doin' it to it!!

[LLJtbone]

This is some pretty hot sounding stuff.

[raiders1967]

Thanks so much for posting. I watched a YouTube video where Rickles mentioned Snooky being married to his wife for 52 years so I did a Google search for Snooky Young and found this video.

[CHC4669]

No one speaks of Doc Severinsen when they speak of the Trumpet greats. It's Armstrong, Dizzy, Miles, Snooky, Clark, Sweets, Freddie get it. Music is about what touches ones soul not about how perfect one can play a scale. Doc is a fine musician no one can deny that but when I hear him play it doesn't touch my Soul. Listen to Miles New Rhumba it's moving. Transcribe his solo I'm sure Doc could play it but it would never sound or feel the same. So much for your lack of music appreciation.

[kdkn92]

When people speak of trumpet greats Doc is usully among the first. People don't talk about miles until conversation turns to songwriting or something.

[CHC4669]

With that comment it's clear you're living in the twilight zone. Don't know what musicians you keep company with but it's obvious you have no clue and were clever to stay away from the points I made above. Wise choice though.

[SAAMIAM99]

Wow, you really think that? I'm speachless regarding your ignorance. How old are you? 12, 13?

[kdkn92]

@SAAMIAM99 Look what the douche CHC4669 posted about doc. I was debating with him. And yes, any trumpet player knows that while davis was uncommonly expressive and great at jazz, his sound and technique was inferior to most other famous players.

[SAAMIAM99]

I suggest you find some very early recordings of Miles. When he was about 19 his bebop chops were as good as anyone's. Oh and I forgot, His 1960 recording Kind of Blue is considered THE single most important jazz album. His playing changed the face of jazz forever. You don't know any of this?

[kdkn92]

@SAAMIAM99 Of course I know of all Miles albums, my personal favorite is Milestones. Kind of blue is incredble, the opening lick to miles solo on so what is probably the greatest improved motif of all time. I love miles and his music. This does not change the fact that he was behind in terms of sound, range, technique. His early be-bop recording don't compare to Clifford B, or dizzy. And player like Snooky and doc are far superior in actual trumpet ability.

[kdkn92]

@SAAMIAM99 I think snooky is just as expressive as Davis, and Doc as well, however, the thing that annoys me, is people who put down a trumpeters (or any intrumentalist) playing as cold just because they have good technique and try to justify it by pointing to davis. Just as doc and snooky aren't all there is in lead playing, Miles is far from the only one in jazz.

[CHC4669]

@kdkn92

You'll find the douche deposit in your mouth from your mother. Spit it out you'll feel alot better I guarantee it.

[kdkn92]

@CHC4669 Regardless of what you think of me personally, Doc is still a better trumpeter than miles or hubbard.

[CHC4669]

@kdkn92

I spoke of you in the same manner you spoke of me. I never used a derogatory term to describe you personally you did that. But I can trade with the best of them verbally and step up to the plate should we ever come face to face. If you think Doc is better the Miles or Freddie that's your right and I can respect that. Though I respect and appreciate Doc for his musicianship I don't reach for a Doc record when I want to hear someone bare their soul through the instrument. Nuff said.

[orjazzmicintentions]

@kdkn92 - Well now, thats a bit uneducated, don't you think? Doc is amazing, no doubt. But its something like this.

1. Louie 2. Diz 3. Miles

[kdkn92]

WAAA-WAAAA YEAH!!!!

[jazzfi]

snooky, total monster lead trumpeter and plunger genius, no one today can compare

[MSchiesslTrumpet]

Man, listen to that swing!! du LA du LA du LA! The band and especially Snooky are amazing at keeping that swing! I wish I could've seen him in person.

[lbrandonjazz]

you still can. he plays with the clayton-hamilton jazz orchestra.

[PPGAddict]

haha George Jefferson

[Trumpetplayer60076]

AWESOME!!! Thanks for posting!

[selector111]

Wow this is just amazing, Doc Severinsen among the great trumpet and jazz musicians. What an awsome song, and snooky young makes it better with his amazing soloing and his smooth cool voice.

[mcbridb]

Its the name of the song he is singing: "T'ain't whatcha do" Its a condensation It ain't what you. Its written that way b/c it fit with the music written.

[wmcoale]

Great stuff!

[trumpetface]

Wow, that was fun!!! Thanks for posting that.

[Schiessl2Trumpet]

What is Snooky saying after the line "But here's one thing you 'ought to know!"?

[jacotrumpet]

wow Snooky killed that solo :) workin that plunger is seriously a skill one has to Master; ppl think they could handle a thing like that w/o any type of preparation...

ps. take wat chadoit the way i chuhdoit lol that's funny.

[schnieef]

Could someone please explain me, how a lead trumpeter is selected ? I doesn't seem the trumpeter which the greatest rage, which was probably Thad Jones in Basie band?? Thank you!

[trumpetking86]

did you know that snooky young was count basie'l lead trumpet player for 30 years before coming to the tonight show band.

[CHC4669]

I didn't know that bit of history that's amazing. You can see why.

Thanks

[PUIncubus]

what a tasteful solo....

[pokerbone]

sick band- thanks for posting

[latintrumpet]

man this is owesome. Great sound, great solo.

[CHC4669]

I think Snooky Young should have been leading that orchestra all along. It sure would have been more soulful that's for sure. It's plain to see why Doc didn't have to many Snooky Young's in his band. JUST ONE GET MY DRIFT

[TheKingHoward]

you're a stupid fucking idiot. Doc was the shit. What the fuck are you talking about.

[CHC4669]

Doc is a good trumpet player an an excellent musician but he's no Snooky Young. He couldn't carry Snookies trumpet case. Doc will never be in the league of a Miles Davis, Freddy Hubbard and Clark Terry to name a few. These musicians have more soul, creativity, and feeling in a broken hang nail on their baby toe than Doc has in his whole body. Like I said it's plain to see why Doc didn't have to many Snooky Youngs in his band. JUST ONE. And for the finale get my drift ASSHOLE.

[lakejw]

dude that's ridiculous. they're all legends in their own right for different reasons. you're comparing totally different stylists on made-up criteria. celebrate the music.

[kdkn92]

What the fuck is wrong with you. He is most soulful players ever. There is always some dick who thinks clean/high=cold and souless. Goddammit, hub and miles were good, but far inferior trumpet players to Doc and some think that that extra slop is soul. Its not. As for snook he certainly is incredible and I'm can't decide if he or Doc is better because they are both so awesome.

[CHC4669]

Snooky Young has more Feeling, Expression and Soul in a broken hang nail on his baby toe then Doc Severinsen has in his whole body. Snooky has forgotten more music than Doc ever knew. Doc is a good musician but a Snooky Young, Clark Terry, Freddie Hubbard just to name a few He AIN'T.

[CHC4669]

You need to put the meth pipe down. Trying to compare Doc to a Miles Davis or Freddie Hubbard is like comparing an ant to a Blue Whale. Doc would be happy to be a pimple on Miles Davis ASS.

[kdkn92]

If you think Miles and Hub are more expressive thats fine. Many people think that. Myself and many people also find doc very subtle. The undeniable fact is that Doc is lightyears ahead of both in actual trumpet ability. Making hyperbolic analogies to put down doc shows your lack of music appreciation, knowledge, and shows your snobbery.

[hehaww]

Love Snooky-not a coincidence he's playing lead on my favorite Basie and Thad/Mel recordings-

[1bebopwiz]

off the meter,hot.I grew up around snooky young listening to him practice his sound every sunday,while playing football,with tony his grandson,its little jimmy.When i see this video and hear that lead trumpet,it brings back childhood memories...

[G9ThirtyFive]

Man, Snooky made that look too easy! Sounded great, really swinging stuff. Thanks for the video.

G9

[dktrumpet]

Hi. I have an old tape called "walk man jazz", it is Count Basie with snookie and big band. There is a tune called "nasty magnus" That is swingin Snooky - does anyone have this tune and the abillity to post it?

[inf1nity]

sick solo.

[neody14]

he's better to sing..^^

[PerfectEight]

Snooky is one of my many jazz idols. His lead trumpet playing especially is simply amazing.

[dontaewinslow]

Amazing!!! Snookie

[DancingSpiderman]

Now THAT'S what I call a real band,

real entertainers, and

REAL MUSIC.

SNOOKY!

YOW-zah!!

[Drworm89]

That's some great plunger work there with some mean shakes!

[generalbullmoose]

That was Snooky!

[baldmd]

Just watched this with my three and six year olds and got to explain a plunger to them! The Tonight Show Band lives on!

[trumpetman]

GO SNOOKY GO!!! HA HA HA HA AH AH AH!!!

[molly1234567899]

I once read that Snooky uses jettone - try his web.

[waynejazz38]

anyone know what mouth piece snooky is using? if you do please write on my wall ! thanks!

[randomacsess]

What a cool band! Wow, with Snook! Wow!

randomacsess

[buni0006]

I bought a Count Basie CD for 3.99 at a discount book store. It's a live recording of the Basie Orchestra with Thad Jones on lead and Snooky soloing. There are a few tracks on there where he solos sans plunger. What a steal!

[Grillhorn]

thad on lead? doubtful, but I guess anything is possible

[mynamisdan]

thad played lead with the basie on that live album he's talking about

[mynamisdan]

the live! or one o' clock jump album

[generalbullmoose]

I know it's what made him, and I like it alright, but just once, I'd like to hear Snooky do a solo without the plunger....

[vitesenzafine]

Now, THAT's trumpet playing

[customkey]

And that's Jimmy Lunceford's "For Dancers Only" in the into, I think.

[ColmOSullivanRed]

Oh yea

[bigsidcatlett]

The song is "T'ain'T What Cha Do"

[customkey]

Yes, the song Snook is singing is "Tain't What Cha Do", but I'm refering to the tune they're quoting in the intro. That's Sy Oliver's "For Dancer's Only". 2 seperate tunes here.

[customkey]

Tommy Newsome back there blowing some pretty lead alto. RIP Tommy.

[biggdrink1138]

Loved this guy. Great solo and use of plunger. Unfortunately, I haven't mastered that art yet. I can make my way, but I'm not even close to this guy.

[trumpetguy35]

He's definitely not dead, I just saw him an hour ago.

[jujsmith]

great clip....

[thattrptplyr]

Snooky's the man...he was at UCF today, and he talked to the trumpet studio...really cool guy. The man is a walking encyclopedia of jazz history and a phenomenal trumpet player.

[sjaffe24]

definitely not dead....I got to UCF im in the Trumpet studio and hes doing a presentation on Friday.....

[bocody]

I saw Snooky less than a year ago with Clayton/ Hamilton at a Nancy Wilson concert. 89 years old I believe they said.

[extrasouth]

AWESOME!! I have this on video myself and have never gotten around to posting. Thanks!!

[spmt2010]

snooks isn't dead

[passarorjp]

What a great musician, and what a great band!

[Wavingclouds]

That's how it should be done. I hope he is still teaching.

[pwramirez]

If I remember correctly, Snooks died this past year.

[Wavingclouds]

Not according to the internet. Lives in FLA.

[pwramirez]

I think I goofed... I wasn't able to find the info I read, and it may have been another trumpet player. What site had the up-to-date info?

[Wavingclouds]

I can't remember but it was some fans site. Snook is still playing according to the site,

[jazzmanta]

wow... so swinging! Snooky's one of my idols (of course! he's so burning!).

[tyoonz]

For years I've idolized Snooky's playing.  Who knew the cat could sing!?!

[thecorporateavenger]

Swinging, vocals and horn

[leeieeioh]

Swing-Swang-swung! Words to live by as well.

[jsheynow]

Absolutely fantastic! This belongs in the Smithsonian. Snooky is a national treasure.