One of the finest New Orleans jazz players to emerge in the 1950s, George Girard's premature death from cancer cut short a very promising career. He became a professional in 1946 after graduating from high school, played with Phil Zito, and then became a key member (along with Pete Fountain) of the Basin Street Six (1950-1954). After the breakup of that group, Girard led his own bands and freelanced until bad health forced him to retire in 1956. Girard had an exciting trumpet style and was a rhythmic vocalist whose potential was sadly not realized. In addition to his recordings with the Basin Street Six, Girard led sessions that were later issued by Storyville, GHB, and Good Time Jazz, in addition to cutting two full albums for Vik. ~ Scott Yanow