Willie Maiden
Encyclopedia
William Ralph "Willie" Maiden (Mar. 12, 1928 - May 29, 1976) was an American jazz
saxophonist and arranger.
Maiden began on piano at age five and started playing saxophone at 11. He spent most of his career playing in big band
s, and while he recorded as a sideman, he never led his own session. He worked with Perez Prado
in 1950 and arranged for Maynard Ferguson
from 1952 into the 1960s. He played with Charlie Barnet
in 1966, and played baritone sax in addition to arranging for Stan Kenton
between 1969 and 1973. After this he taught at the University of Maine
until his death in 1976.
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
saxophonist and arranger.
Maiden began on piano at age five and started playing saxophone at 11. He spent most of his career playing in big band
Big band
A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians...
s, and while he recorded as a sideman, he never led his own session. He worked with Perez Prado
Perez Prado
Dámaso Pérez Prado was a Cuban bandleader, musician , and composer. He is often referred to as the 'King of the Mambo'.His orchestra was the most popular in mambo...
in 1950 and arranged for Maynard Ferguson
Maynard Ferguson
Maynard Ferguson was a Canadian jazz musician and bandleader. He came to prominence playing in Stan Kenton's orchestra, before forming his own band in 1957...
from 1952 into the 1960s. He played with Charlie Barnet
Charlie Barnet
Charles Daly Barnet was an American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader.His major recordings were "Skyliner", "Cherokee", "The Wrong Idea", "Scotch and Soda", "In a Mizz", and "Southland Shuffle".-Early life:...
in 1966, and played baritone sax in addition to arranging for Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton
Stanley Newcomb "Stan" Kenton was a pianist, composer, and arranger who led a highly innovative, influential, and often controversial American jazz orchestra. In later years he was widely active as an educator....
between 1969 and 1973. After this he taught at the University of Maine
University of Maine
The University of Maine is a public research university located in Orono, Maine, United States. The university was established in 1865 as a land grant college and is referred to as the flagship university of the University of Maine System...
until his death in 1976.