Biography of Herb Ellis

Ellis began as a banjo player in his childhood and learned the rudiments of guitar on his own before attending North Texas State College with Jimmy Giuffre and Gene Roland. He got his start in the mid-'40s with the Casa Loma Orchestra and Jimmy Dorsey band. In 1947 he formed the Soft Winds trio, a unit that echoed the influence of the Nat King Cole Trio right down to Ellis's guitar lines underneath pianist Lou Carter's leads and bassist John Frigo's accompaniment. The trio stayed together until 1952 and had the successful song "Detour Ahead" recorded by Billie Holiday. Ellis replaced Barney Kessel in Oscar Peterson's group in 1953 and attained stature and stardom. He has worked extensively with Ray Brown since the '70s. Exhaustive studio and session and recording work hasn't dulled his passion. He is a prototype jazz guitarist in the Charlie Christian tradition. ~ Ron Wynn