Conte Candoli, one of the great trumpet players in the business today, was born in Mishawaka Indiana. Immediately after graduating from high school, he joined Woody Herman’s band and traveled on the road with Woody; as well as with other top name bands, such as Stan Kenton, Benny Goodman and Tex Beneke.

Conte Candoli has never stopped evolving, whether it was in the Ventura Band with Chubby Jackson, Stan Kenton or Woody Herman or in his six year association with Howard Rumsey’s Lighthouse All Stars; as well as his extensive years with Shelly Manne and His Men at Shelly’s Manne-Hole.

As a veteran of countless studio recording sessions, “Count” became a favorite, featured sideman of such performers as Stan Getz, Benny Carter, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Gerry Mulligan and Sarah Vaughan, to name a few.

Among current recordings he can be heard on are the enormously popular Tonight Show Orchestra discs with doc Severinsen and the Charlie Parker inspired group, Supersax.

Although he is much in demand at jazz clinics at major colleges throughout the United States, Conte Candoli still relishes the chance to play live with small combos, whenever he gets the chance. “At this point in my life, I want to make sure I get to swing out as often as I can”.

We are sorry to report that Conte passed away 12-14-01.