My Take
Maynard Ferguson was one of those musicians who made you question what's physically possible — the man played in a register that most trumpeters wouldn't even attempt, and he made it sound effortless. Coming out of Montreal and cutting his teeth in Stan Kenton's orchestra in the late 1940s, he built a reputation as maybe the most dazzling high-note screamer in jazz history. But what I love about him is that he wasn't just a circus act — he had genuine musicality and a knack for spotting talent, because his big bands became legendary launching pads for younger players. His 1970s disco-inflected recordings divided purists, but honestly that Rocky theme arrangement introduced him to a whole new generation, and I respect the hustle. He kept blowing that horn almost until the end, dying in 2006 at 78, and the Canadian Music Hall of Fame induction in 1997 felt like the country finally saying what jazz fans had known for decades.
Overview
Walter Maynard Ferguson CM (May 4, 1928 – August 23, 2006) was a Canadian jazz trumpeter and bandleader. He came to prominence in Stan Kenton's orchestra before forming his own big band in 1957. He was noted for his bands, which often served as stepping stones for up-and-coming talent, his versatility on several instruments, and his ability to play in a high register.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Maynard Ferguson
- Name (Japanese)
- メイナード・ファーガソン
- Reading
- めいなーど・ふぁーがそん
- Born
- May 4, 1928 – August 23, 2006
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Dragon
- Origin
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Blood type
- Private
- Height
- Private
- Agency
- Private
- Occupation
- trumpeter / jazz musician / recording artist / musician / bandleader
2. Background
- Elementary school
- Private
- Junior high
- Private
- High school
- High School of Montreal
- University
- Private
Awards & achievements
- 2006 Charles E. Lutton Man of Music Award
- 1997 Canadian Music Hall of Fame
- Member of the Order of Canada
3. Relationships
- Spouse
- Private
- Children
- Private
- Parents
- Private
- Siblings
- Private
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public items are marked "Private / Unknown". English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.