Harry Sweets Edison

Harry "Sweets" Edison is one of the all time greats of jazz. He is best known for his poetic trumpet and his irresistible personal eloquence. His music is poetry and his particular sound has become an unforgettable and distinctive jazz classic. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to music and acclaim of his peers, he was recently distinguished by Yale University as a great musician and invited to conduct seminars for the Duke Ellington Fellowship Program.
Mr. Edison's evolution as an artist goes back to the late thirties when he played with the Lucky Millinder Band before making that significant step to joining the great Count Basie Orchestra where he was nicknamed "Sweets" by the phenominal Lester "Pres" Young, and where he soon emerged as a virtuoso.
He has been featured by most of the famous big bands and orchestras, such as those of Buddy Rich, Quincy Jones, Louis Bellson, Henry Mancini, and Nelson Riddle. For several years he was the musical director for the incomparable Josephine Baker, with whom he toured internationally. He is a favorite and much-requested performer for jazz festivals all over the world. Mr. Edison has composed numerous tunes and made many recordings and appeared as a band leader in major U.S. cities. He also has worked on television shows like "The Odd Couple" and "The Cosby Show."

   Edison Discography

The artist profiles on these pages were excerpted from the Carnegie Hall Tribute program. We present them here in an effort to recognize the artists that keep the music of Lady Ella alive through their repertoire.