Harry "Sweets" Edison

Trumpet icon Trumpet

July 27, 1999 (Age 83) died

October 10, 1915 Birthday

Columbus, Ohio, U.S. Birthplace

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Harry "Sweets" Edison was a jazz trumpeter renowned for his warm, simple sound. He rose to prominence in the 1940s as a member of Count Basie's band, appearing on over 50 recordings with the group. After the band disbanded in 1950, Edison toured with various groups before settling in Los Angeles, where he became a sought-after studio musician. He was particularly known for his work with vocalists, regularly recording with Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holiday, among others. In addition to his studio work, Edison continued to perform with various bands, including those led by Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson, and Quincy Jones. He also had notable collaborations with Oscar Peterson and Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis. Edison passed away in 1999 from prostate cancer.

Trivia

Harry "Sweets" Edison was given his nickname by Lester Young, a reference to his sweet sound. Harry "Sweets" Edison can be seen in the short film "Jammin' the Blues." Harry "Sweets" Edison was named an NEA Jazz Master in 1992.

Early Life

Harry "Sweets" Edison was born in Ohio in 1915 but spent his early childhood in Kentucky. It was there that his uncle introduced him to music through a pump organ. Later, Edison discovered an old cornet and began teaching himself to play. At age 11, he returned to Ohio, where his mother bought him a better horn, and he soon started playing in local bands. In 1933, he joined the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra. By 1937, Edison had moved to New York, where he played with Lucky Millinder's band before joining Count Basie's band a few months later.