Bobby Byrne

Bobby Byrne joined the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra at 16, then became trombone soloist in Jimmy Dorsey's Orchestra following their split in 1935. Byrne formed his own band in 1940, hiring Don Redman as arranger in 1941. He organized another band after he completed military service in 1946, then became a freelance musician in New York. He led a traditional group that enjoyed some recognition in the '50s, including an appearance on the Steve Allen show. Byrne stayed busy playing in several studio orchestras s well, playing with Pearl Bailey, Cannonball Adderly, Cootie Williams, Charlie Barnet, Urbie Green and Lionel Hampton between 1952 and 1960. Byrne made another album as big band leader in 1958. By the late '60s, he was no longer an active player but an executive for Command Records. ~ Ron Wynn