Baritone Saxophone, Piano, Composer, Arranger (1927-1996)
Born Gerald Joseph Mulligan on 6 April 1927 in Queens Village, New York, also known as Jeru, Gerry Mulligan was an American baritone saxophonist, clarinetist, pianist, composer, and arranger who brought a revolutionary light and airy tone to the baritone saxophone in the era of cool jazz, playing with the speed and dexterity of an altoist. Growing up in Philadelphia, he started on piano before learning clarinet and saxophones. By age 16, he was arranging for WCAU radio in Philadelphia, writing charts for Johnny Warrington's radio band in 1944. Moving to New York in 1946, he joined Gene Krupa's Orchestra as staff arranger, attracting attention with "Disc Jockey Jump" in 1947. In 1948, he joined Claude Thornhill's arranging staff alongside Gil Evans, deciding to play baritone saxophone exclusively.
In September 1948, Miles Davis formed a nine-piece band using Mulligan's arrangements alongside Evans and John Lewis, recording in 1949-1950 what became Birth of the Cool, with Mulligan contributing "Godchild", "Darn That Dream", and originals "Jeru", "Rocker", and "Venus De Milo". In 1952, Mulligan formed his piano-less quartet with Chet Baker, Carson Smith, and Chico Hamilton, becoming so successful Pacific Jazz label launched to record them, making both Mulligan and Baker stars and becoming cornerstone for West Coast jazz. A 1953 drug bust ended the original quartet, but released in 1954, Mulligan began successful partnership with Bob Brookmeyer. During 1957-1960, he recorded with Monk, Desmond, Getz, Webster, and Hodges. In 1960, he formed Concert Jazz Band recording five Verve albums, toured with Dave Brubeck Quartet 1968-1972, led Age of Steam big band in 1970s, and completed "Entente for Baritone Saxophone and Orchestra" in 1984. Winner for 42 consecutive years of DownBeat reader's poll for Outstanding Baritone Saxophonist (1953-1995), he won 1981 Grammy for Walk on the Water. Mulligan died 20 January 1996, aged 68, in Darien, Connecticut. His collection resides at Library of Congress.
