Herb Jeffries 1995 Inductee

     There are but a handful of performers with the polish and style that is attributed to Herb Jeffries. He is known as one of the "all-time great" singers of our time.
          From a theatrical family, he began singing as a teenager in a combo with a neighborhood piano prodigy, performing locally and on radio. When he moved to Chicago, he was discovered by Earl "Fatha" Hines who invited him to join his band on the road. After a few years on the road, Herb became determined to produce a black cowboy picture. He encountered a major lack of interest in funding the project but persistence paid off when he arrived in Hollywood and the rest is history. Starring, casting, writing the music score and performing his own stunts kept Herb Jeffries busy for two years and five movies.
          In 1939, Herb joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra as the first male vocalist and became a major singing star. His rendition of "Flamingo" sold over 14 million copies and many other hits soon followed.. "Jump for Joy", "Basin Street Blues" and more.
          After 10 years in Paris with his own jazz club, The Flamingo, Herb returned to the U.S. and opened another Flamingo Club in Los Angeles. Since then he's appeared in many movies and television series, and in concert, plus producing, recording and releasing albums on various labels.
          Today Herb continues to perform about six months of the year and is busier than ever with a new CD "The Bronze Buckaroo (Rides Again)" recently released on Warner Records and several other exciting projects. He appeared in "Mostly Duke" with Barbara McNair and The Mills Brothers; in concert with the Mercer Ellington Orchestra; and sings with and conducts his 16-piece band at performing arts centers and nightclubs.
          Herb Jeffries, always looking for the next adventure, the "new kid in western music", resides in Toluca Lake with his wife Regina.

Page updated January 1, 2004   page created April 14, 2001