Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw (born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky on May 23, 1910, in New York City) was a renowned American clarinetist, composer, and bandleader who became one of the most celebrated figures in swing and big band music during the 1930s and 1940s. Known for his virtuosic skill on the clarinet and his innovative approach to big band arrangements, Shaw stood out as a jazz icon and one of the most influential musicians of the Swing Era. His blend of jazz, classical, and popular music, combined with his sophisticated style, made him one of the most popular and innovative bandleaders of his time. Shaw’s career, however, was also marked by his complex personality and desire to transcend the commercial aspects of music, which led to his repeated departures from the music scene at the height of his fame.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Artie Shaw was born into a Jewish immigrant family and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. He took up the saxophone at the age of 13 and later switched to the clarinet, which would become his signature instrument. He moved to New York City in the late 1920s and began playing in various orchestras, quickly making a name for himself as an exceptionally talented musician.

In 1936, Shaw formed his own band, and his breakthrough came in 1938 with the release of “Begin the Beguine,” a jazz-inflected arrangement of Cole Porter’s song. This recording became one of the most famous and commercially successful hits of the swing era, catapulting Shaw to stardom. Shaw’s innovative approach to orchestration, featuring strings alongside traditional jazz instruments, set him apart from other big band leaders, such as Benny Goodman, his main rival in the clarinet-dominated big band scene.

Musical Style and Innovations

Shaw’s music combined the rhythms and improvisational elements of jazz with sophisticated arrangements that drew on classical music and pop standards. His ability to blend these influences set him apart from other bandleaders of his time. Known for his smooth and lyrical clarinet tone, Shaw was a technical virtuoso, and his compositions often featured intricate clarinet lines that showcased his skill.

Some of Shaw’s most notable contributions to music include:

“Begin the Beguine” (1938): Shaw’s arrangement of this Cole Porter tune is one of the most iconic recordings of the swing era. It became a massive hit and is still regarded as one of the definitive songs of the period.
“Stardust” (1940): Shaw’s version of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Stardust” is often considered one of the finest renditions of the song. His clarinet solo on this track is a showcase of his expressive playing style.
“Frenesi” (1940): This Latin-influenced tune became another of Shaw’s major hits, reflecting his willingness to incorporate a variety of musical styles into his big band arrangements.
Classical influences: Shaw was known for his interest in classical music and his attempts to bridge the gap between jazz and classical traditions. In 1940, he performed “Concerto for Clarinet”, which was written specifically for him by his arranger, Jerry Gray. This ambitious work demonstrated Shaw’s desire to be recognized not just as a popular musician but as a serious artist.

Shaw was also an early advocate for racial integration in music. At a time when racial segregation was common in the music industry, Shaw hired African-American musicians like Billie Holiday, who briefly sang with his band in 1938. This was a bold move during an era when segregation in the entertainment industry was deeply entrenched.

ARTIE SHAW – The Hits and More (1938-1950) Playlist:

1945 HITS ARCHIVE: Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate The Positive – Artie Shaw (Imogene Lynn, vocal)

1940 HITS ARCHIVE: All The Things You Are – Artie Shaw (Helen Forrest, vocal)

1939 Artie Shaw – Alone Together (instrumental)

1938 Artie Shaw – Any Old Time (Billie Holiday, vocal)

1938 HITS ARCHIVE: Back Bay Shuffle – Artie Shaw

1938 HITS ARCHIVE: Begin The Beguine – Artie Shaw

1946 version (with strings): Artie Shaw – Begin The Beguine

1942 HITS ARCHIVE: Blues In The Night – Artie Shaw (Hot Lips Page, vocal)

1939 Artie Shaw – Carioca

1939 HITS ARCHIVE: Comes Love – Artie Shaw (Helen Forrest, vocal)

1941 HITS ARCHIVE: Concerto For Clarinet (Parts 1 & 2) – Artie Shaw (instrumental)

1950 HITS ARCHIVE: Count Every Star – Dick Haymes & Artie Shaw

1941 HITS ARCHIVE: Dancing In The Dark – Artie Shaw (instrumental)

1939 Artie Shaw – Day In, Day Out (Helen Forrest, vocal)

1939 HITS ARCHIVE: Deep In A Dream – Artie Shaw (Helen Forrest, vocal)

Impact and Influence on Jazz and Popular Music

Artie Shaw’s influence on both jazz and popular music was profound. As a clarinetist, he pushed the technical boundaries of the instrument, and his elegant, precise style has influenced countless musicians. Alongside Benny Goodman, Shaw helped elevate the clarinet as a lead instrument in jazz during the swing era.

Shaw’s ability to innovate within the big band format, integrating elements from classical music and Latin rhythms, contributed to the evolution of jazz. His approach to orchestration, with a focus on lush, sophisticated arrangements, influenced not only swing but also later developments in jazz, including cool jazz and bebop.

Shaw was also known for his unwillingness to conform to the commercial demands of the music industry. He famously walked away from his band several times during his career, frustrated with the pressures of fame and the limitations of popular music. His desire to focus on more serious, artistic endeavors set him apart from many of his contemporaries, though it also meant that he did not record as prolifically as some other big band leaders.

Challenges and Later Career

Shaw’s career was marked by periods of both great success and retreat from the public eye. He disbanded his orchestra multiple times, including at the height of his popularity, citing dissatisfaction with the music business and the pressures of fame. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Shaw returned to music but struggled to maintain the same level of commercial success.

Shaw eventually retired from performing in 1954, although he continued to compose, write, and work on various musical projects. He spent much of his later years exploring writing and other intellectual pursuits. His complex personality—often described as perfectionist and restless—contributed to his tendency to abandon projects and bands when he felt creatively stifled.

Legacy and Recognition

Despite his relatively brief career as a major bandleader, Artie Shaw’s impact on jazz and popular music endures. His work remains a touchstone for clarinetists and big band enthusiasts, and his innovative arrangements are celebrated as some of the finest examples of swing-era music. Shaw was honored with numerous accolades during his lifetime, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004.

Shaw’s ability to transcend the limitations of popular music and his commitment to artistic integrity have cemented his legacy as one of the most respected and innovative figures in jazz. He is often remembered not only for his virtuosity on the clarinet but also for his complex and uncompromising approach to music.

YouTube – Artie Shaw – Topic:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYSVpl3FRQsikR7ZEdSQRqQ

References

Shaw, Artie. The Trouble With Cinderella: An Outline of Identity. Farrar, Straus and Young, 1952.
Giddins, Gary. Bing Crosby: A Pocketful of Dreams – The Early Years, 1903-1940. Little, Brown and Company, 2001.
Shipton, Alyn. Artie Shaw: A Musical Biography and Discography. Scarecrow Press, 2000.
“Artie Shaw Biography.” AllMusic by Scott Yanow. Available at: allmusic.com
Gioia, Ted. The History of Jazz. Oxford University Press, 1997.