PRESENTATION OUTLINE
TOP 10 GREATEST POP/ROCK TRUMPET PLAYERS
Before compiling this list, I had no idea how many Trumpet players left an indelible mark on the rock, pop, and funk music of the past 40 years. Enjoy the tunes!
1. Lew Soloff, who has always been entrenched in the jazz world won a Grammy while playing on Blood, Sweat and Tears’ famous tune “Spinning Wheel” among other great tunes during his tenure from 1968 to 1973. Soloff has also played with Elvis Costello, Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Marianne Faithful, Lou Reed, Frank Sinatra, and Paul Simon.
2. This entry is dedicated to all of the trumpeters of perform with Tower of Power. Greg Adam along with Mic Gillette defined the sound of Tower of Power.
3. This list wouldn’t be complete without the 5-time Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and arranger, Jerry Hey.
4. Robert “Spike” Mickens is an amazing trumpet player who has mostly been known for his association with Kool & The Gang.
5. Trumpeter and member of Chicago, Lee Loughnane is incredible. Listen to Loughnane’s solo on “Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon.”
6. This list wouldn’t be complete without an addition from Motown. Meet Maurice Davis, who not only recorded over 1,500 songs, but also served as a dedicated teacher in Detroit Public Schools for over 30 years and at Wayne State University.
7. Jazz trumpet great, Oscar Brashear played with Earth, Wind & Fire throughout the 1970s and into the 80s.
8. Someone making waves today is Wayne Bergeron, although he is mainly known in jazz circles he has played with artists like Beyoncé, Michael Bublé. If you like the lead trumpet playing on the movie The Incredibles, that’s Wayne.
9. Rashawn Ross is the amazing trumpeter and arranger with the Dave Matthews Band.
10. Although there are dozens of greats I could, I will round out my list by plugging Mike “Iron Mike” Bogart of the Tower of Power for nine years. Here is a humorous video of “Iron” Mike playing his high notes while he does his gym routine.
