Clarinettist Artie Shaw, one of the most famous American band leaders of the swing era, has died at his LA home aged 94. Shaw was one of the biggest names in the 30s and 40s jazz scene and continued to perform until 1954 when he quit the business frustrated with the stresses of fame. He began working in music again in the sixties, but primarily behind the scenes. Nevertheless he remained a respected musician and won a Lifetime Achievement gong at last year's Grammys.
Confirming
Shaw's death, his manager, Bill Curtis, told reporters: "His health had been failing for some time as the effects of a fall a few years ago reduced him to the point when he was in complete agony all the time." Paying tribute to Shaw, Curtis continued:
"Artie will always be remembered by musicians as the best clarinettist that has ever lived. Most would agree that he was ahead of his time by far, even ahead of the great Benny Goodman."