In the 1960s, Herb Alpert was arguably the coolest jazz artist in the world.
The tantalizing album cover for Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass' "Whipped Cream & Other Delights" captivated the mind of many a teenager who found it sitting in their parent's record collection.
Alpert began his professional music career in the late 1950s, writing hits for top artists including Jan and Dean and Sam Cooke. After striking out on his own, by the mid-1960s Alpert and his band had become massive stars, performing on TV specials on major networks.
In 1966, Alpert even sold more albums worldwide than The Beatles. His cool swagger, his iconic tuxedo, and his astounding trumpet playing made Alpert an instant star, one that endures more than 50 years later.
On Saturday, Herb Alpert brings his unique brand of jazz to the Lucas Theatre on Abercorn Street, made possible thanks to Savannah Jazz. Alpert will be joined by his award-winning vocalist wife, Lani Hall.
It's just one of many events brought to the Hostess City by Savannah Jazz, the non-profit which is responsible for the annual Savannah Jazz Festival, the Savannah Jazz Hall of Fame, and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra.
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
All these years later, Savannah Jazz members say Alpert's good-time vibes and smooth musical numbers are as relevant as ever.
“You just can’t be in a bad mood listening to Herb Alpert’s music," shared Savannah Jazz Director, Paula Fogarty. "Whether it is early Tijuana Brass or later work, it is profound and inspiring."
Through the course of his storied career, Alpert has sold more than 72 million records, 29 of those were certified gold or platinum. He has scored five #1 hit songs, and nine Grammy awards. But more than just an amazing band leader and trumpeter, Alpert has also helped ignite the careers of decades of beloved artists.
In 1962, Alpert and business part Jerry Moss formed Carnival Records, releasing a few hit singles before running into difficulties with a prior company's usage of the Carnival name.
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
The pair renamed their company A&M Records, which they sold 20 years later to PolyGram Records for a reported $500 million. During his time with A&M Records, Alpert and his partner would discover and promote future big-name artists including The Carpenters and The Police.
Alpert's commitment to foster future musical talents continues through the Herb Alpert Foundation, which has supported a wide range of music and arts education programs through the years.
In 1973, Alpert married Hall during her successful solo career and the pair went on to record three albums together including the 2013 Grammy-award-winning album, "Stepping Out."
In recent years, his rich legacy has been chronicled in the online documentary, "Herb Alpert," which covers his decades-long musical achievements and storied love affair with wife Hall.
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
Credit: Courtesy of Dewey Nicks
Even 50 years later, Alpert has no intention of slowing down. He released a recent album "Catch the Wind" in 2021, and continues to express himself through a range of mediums including abstract painting and sculpting.
You could call Alpert a Renaissance Man, someone who continues to approach the world on his terms, leading audiences through his deep catalog of revered hit songs, playing his trumpet with his own brand of cool.
It's an infectious experience, one that is sure to keep audiences moving all these years later, Savannah Jazz's Fogarty added: "I know we will have some people on their feet at this show!”
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Jazz bringing world class musicians Herb Alpert, Lani Hall to the Lucas Theatre
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