24 Most Famous Jazz Clarinet Players of All Time

The clarinet has played a pivotal role in the development of jazz, bringing a unique, expressive voice to the genre that has captivated audiences for over a century. From the lively streets of New Orleans to the grand stages of concert halls, the clarinet has been a key instrument in shaping the sound and spirit of jazz.

This article explores the lives and legacies of some of the most famous jazz clarinet players, whose innovative techniques and unforgettable performances have left an indelible mark on the history of music.

Whether pioneering new styles or preserving traditional sounds, these musicians have elevated the clarinet to a central place in jazz, influencing generations of artists and listeners alike.

24 Most Popular Famous Jazz Clarinetists that You Need to Hear

These clarinetists have made significant contributions to jazz, each bringing their unique style and innovation to the instrument.

Here’s a list of 24 famous jazz clarinet players:

#1 Benny Goodman

Benny Goodman, born in 1909 in Chicago, Illinois, is often hailed as the “King of Swing” and is one of the most influential clarinetists in the history of jazz. Goodman played a pivotal role in popularizing swing music during the 1930s and 1940s, leading one of the most successful big bands of the era. His virtuosity on the clarinet set new standards for jazz musicianship, and his performances, both live and recorded, brought jazz to a wider, mainstream audience.

Goodman was also a trailblazer in breaking racial barriers, most notably by leading one of the first racially integrated jazz ensembles, featuring musicians like Teddy Wilson and Lionel Hampton. His landmark concert at Carnegie Hall in 1938 is often cited as one of the most significant events in jazz history. Goodman’s influence extends beyond jazz; he was also a respected classical musician, recording concertos and chamber music, further showcasing his technical mastery and versatility.

#2 Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw, born in 1910 in New York City, was one of the most prominent clarinetists and bandleaders of the swing era. Known for his technical brilliance and innovative arrangements, Shaw was a rival to Benny Goodman in the 1930s and 1940s, often considered one of the greatest clarinetists of his time. Shaw’s music was characterized by its sophistication and complexity, blending jazz with classical influences. He achieved immense popularity with hits like “Begin the Beguine” and “Stardust,” which became defining tracks of the swing era.

Despite his success, Shaw was known for his perfectionism and restlessness, often disbanding his orchestras at the peak of their popularity to pursue other musical and personal interests. He was also known for his refusal to conform to the commercial demands of the music industry, which contributed to his frequent departures from the spotlight. Shaw’s legacy is marked by his contributions to both jazz and popular music, as well as his enduring influence on clarinetists and bandleaders.

#3 Sidney Bechet

Sidney Bechet, born in 1897 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was one of the first important soloists in jazz, known for his virtuosic playing on both the clarinet and soprano saxophone. Bechet’s style was deeply rooted in the New Orleans jazz tradition, characterized by its expressive, bluesy tone and improvisational flair. He was one of the first jazz musicians to gain international recognition, particularly in Europe, where he spent significant parts of his career.

Bechet’s powerful, emotional playing and ability to bend notes with a vibrato-laden sound made him a distinctive voice in jazz. His most famous recordings include “Petite Fleur,” “Summertime,” and “Blue Horizon,” which showcase his mastery of the clarinet and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music. Bechet’s influence on jazz is profound, as he helped to shape the development of solo improvisation and was a key figure in the transition from early New Orleans jazz to the more sophisticated swing and bebop styles.

#4 Buddy DeFranco

Buddy DeFranco, born in 1923 in Camden, New Jersey, was a pioneering jazz clarinetist who played a crucial role in bringing the clarinet into the bebop era. Unlike many of his contemporaries who were rooted in the swing tradition, DeFranco embraced the complexities of bebop, incorporating the fast tempos, intricate harmonies, and virtuosic improvisation associated with the style. DeFranco’s playing was characterized by his technical brilliance, fluid phrasing, and ability to navigate complex chord changes with ease.

He was one of the few clarinetists to achieve widespread acclaim during a period when the instrument was largely overshadowed by the saxophone and trumpet in jazz. DeFranco worked with many of the leading figures in jazz, including Count Basie, Charlie Parker, and Art Tatum, and led his own groups throughout his career. He was also a respected educator and recorded extensively, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to influence clarinetists and jazz musicians today.

#5 Jimmy Dorsey

Jimmy Dorsey, born in 1904 in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was a highly influential clarinetist and saxophonist who, along with his brother Tommy, played a key role in shaping the sound of the swing era. Dorsey was known for his smooth, lyrical playing style, which was both technically accomplished and emotionally expressive. He began his career as a sideman in various big bands before forming his own successful orchestra in the 1930s.

The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra became one of the leading swing bands of the time, producing hits like “Amapola,” “Tangerine,” and “So Rare.” Dorsey’s versatility as a musician allowed him to move effortlessly between the clarinet and alto saxophone, contributing to his popularity as both a bandleader and soloist. Despite often being overshadowed by his more flamboyant brother Tommy, Jimmy Dorsey was a respected figure in jazz and popular music, and his contributions to the clarinet repertoire are still celebrated today.

#6 Woody Herman

Woody Herman, born in 1913 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a prominent clarinetist, saxophonist, singer, and bandleader who became one of the key figures in the development of big band jazz. Herman’s career spanned over five decades, during which he led several successful ensembles known as “The Herds.” His bands were known for their high energy, innovative arrangements, and for featuring some of the best musicians in jazz, including Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, and Bill Harris.

Herman was not only an accomplished clarinetist but also a charismatic bandleader who embraced new musical styles, from swing to bebop to cool jazz. His ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining a high standard of musicianship earned him widespread acclaim. Some of his most famous recordings include “Woodchopper’s Ball,” “Four Brothers,” and “Early Autumn.” Herman’s contributions to jazz, both as a performer and bandleader, have left a lasting legacy, and he remains an important figure in the history of jazz clarinet.

#7 Barney Bigard

Barney Bigard, born in 1906 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a highly regarded jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist known for his long association with Duke Ellington’s orchestra. Bigard’s playing was deeply rooted in the New Orleans jazz tradition, but he brought a level of sophistication and nuance to his performances that made him a standout in Ellington’s band. He was known for his rich, warm tone and fluid, melodic improvisations.

Bigard played with Ellington from 1927 to 1942, contributing to many of the orchestra’s most famous recordings, including “Mood Indigo” and “Clarinet Lament,” which showcase his lyrical style and expressive phrasing. After leaving Ellington, Bigard worked with Louis Armstrong’s All-Stars, further cementing his reputation as one of the leading clarinetists in jazz. His ability to blend the old New Orleans style with the more modern, refined sound of Ellington’s orchestra made him a unique and influential figure in the development of jazz clarinet.

#8 Johnny Dodds

Johnny Dodds, born in 1892 in Waveland, Mississippi, was one of the most important early jazz clarinetists, particularly noted for his work in the New Orleans and Chicago jazz scenes. Dodds was a key figure in the development of jazz during the 1920s, playing with legendary musicians such as King Oliver, Louis Armstrong, and Jelly Roll Morton. His clarinet playing was characterized by its powerful, bluesy tone and his ability to convey deep emotion through his music.

Dodds’ recordings with Louis Armstrong’s Hot Five and Hot Seven, including tracks like “West End Blues” and “Potato Head Blues,” are considered some of the most influential jazz recordings of all time. His style was deeply rooted in the blues, and his expressive, often improvisational approach to the clarinet set the standard for future generations of jazz musicians. Despite his relatively short life, Dodds left a lasting legacy as one of the pioneers of jazz clarinet, helping to shape the sound of early jazz.

#9 Pee Wee Russell

Pee Wee Russell, born in 1906 in Maplewood, Missouri, was a distinctive jazz clarinetist known for his highly individualistic and often unconventional playing style. Russell’s music defied easy categorization, blending elements of New Orleans jazz, swing, and bebop with his own idiosyncratic approach to improvisation. His tone was often described as quirky and sometimes rough, but his ability to create unexpected melodic lines and his willingness to take musical risks made him a beloved figure in the jazz world.

Russell was a mainstay of the Chicago jazz scene in the 1920s and later became a fixture in the New York jazz clubs, performing with legends like Eddie Condon, Louis Armstrong, and Thelonious Monk. Despite struggling with personal challenges throughout his life, Russell continued to innovate and evolve as a musician, gaining recognition for his originality and creativity. His contribution to jazz clarinet was not just technical prowess but a spirit of experimentation and emotional expression that inspired many later jazz artists.

#10 Eddie Daniels

Eddie Daniels, born in 1941 in New York City, is a virtuoso clarinetist and saxophonist known for his remarkable versatility across jazz and classical music. Daniels first gained attention in the 1960s as a tenor saxophonist with the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, but it was his work on the clarinet that truly set him apart. His playing is characterized by its technical brilliance, fluidity, and ability to cross genres with ease.

Daniels is known for his ability to blend the improvisational elements of jazz with the precision and discipline of classical music, as demonstrated in his groundbreaking album “Breakthrough,” which features a mix of jazz and classical compositions. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Grammy Award and several Grammy nominations. Daniels’ contribution to the jazz clarinet is significant, as he has helped to elevate the instrument’s status in both the jazz and classical worlds, inspiring a new generation of clarinetists to explore the full range of its expressive possibilities.

#11 George Lewis

George Lewis, born in 1900 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a prominent jazz clarinetist who played a key role in the revival of traditional New Orleans jazz in the mid-20th century. Lewis began his career playing with local New Orleans bands before gaining wider recognition in the 1940s and 1950s as one of the leading figures in the New Orleans jazz revival movement. His clarinet playing was deeply rooted in the traditional New Orleans style, characterized by its soulful, bluesy tone and strong rhythmic drive.

Lewis was known for his passionate and heartfelt performances, which resonated with audiences and helped to bring the music of New Orleans to a global stage. He recorded extensively and toured internationally, spreading the gospel of New Orleans jazz to new audiences. Lewis’ dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional jazz sound made him a beloved figure in the jazz community, and his recordings remain important documents of the New Orleans jazz tradition.

#12 Tony Scott

Tony Scott, born in 1921 in Morristown, New Jersey, was a pioneering jazz clarinetist and composer known for his innovative approach to the instrument and his exploration of world music influences. Scott was a leading figure in the bebop and cool jazz movements of the 1940s and 1950s, playing with many of the greats of the era, including Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. His playing was marked by its technical precision, rich tone, and adventurous improvisation.

Scott was also one of the first jazz musicians to explore the fusion of jazz with other musical traditions, particularly Eastern and Middle Eastern music, as heard in his groundbreaking album “Music for Zen Meditation” (1964). This album, which combined jazz improvisation with traditional Japanese instruments, is considered one of the earliest examples of what would later be known as world music. Scott’s willingness to push the boundaries of jazz and his contributions to the development of world music have made him a significant and influential figure in the history of jazz clarinet.

#13 Acker Bilk

Acker Bilk, born in 1929 in Pensford, Somerset, England, was a British clarinetist known for his smooth, melodic playing style and his contributions to the traditional jazz and popular music scenes. Bilk gained international fame in the 1960s with his hit single “Stranger on the Shore,” which became one of the best-selling singles of the decade and made him a household name. His playing was characterized by its warm, mellow tone and lyrical phrasing, which appealed to a wide audience beyond the traditional jazz community.

Bilk was a leading figure in the British trad jazz revival of the 1950s and 1960s, and his band, The Paramount Jazz Band, was one of the most popular jazz groups in Britain during that time. Bilk’s success in both jazz and popular music helped to broaden the appeal of the clarinet, and his recordings continue to be celebrated for their charm and musicality.

#14 Don Byron

Don Byron, born in 1958 in The Bronx, New York, is a modern jazz clarinetist and composer known for his eclectic approach to music, blending jazz with classical, klezmer, hip-hop, and other genres. Byron’s virtuosic playing and innovative compositions have earned him a reputation as one of the most versatile and forward-thinking musicians in contemporary jazz. He first gained widespread recognition with his album “Don Byron Plays the Music of Mickey Katz” (1993), which reinterpreted the music of the Jewish clarinetist and bandleader through a modern jazz lens.

Byron’s ability to move seamlessly between different musical traditions while maintaining a unique voice has made him a significant figure in jazz and beyond. His work often challenges genre boundaries, and he is known for exploring social and political themes through his music. Byron has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Guggenheim Fellowship, and continues to be an influential force in the world of jazz clarinet.

#15 Jimmy Giuffre

Jimmy Giuffre, born in 1921 in Dallas, Texas, was a jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer known for his innovative contributions to the development of cool jazz and free jazz. Giuffre first gained recognition as a member of Woody Herman’s band, where he composed the classic “Four Brothers,” a staple of the cool jazz repertoire. In the 1950s, he formed his own groups, experimenting with unusual instrumental combinations and a chamber music-like approach to jazz, emphasizing subtle interplay and dynamic control.

His trio with Jim Hall on guitar and Ralph Peña (later replaced by Bob Brookmeyer) on valve trombone was particularly influential, focusing on counterpoint and texture rather than traditional jazz forms. Giuffre’s later work ventured into free improvisation, as exemplified by his groundbreaking 1961 album “Free Fall,” which pushed the boundaries of jazz and influenced the emerging avant-garde movement. Throughout his career, Giuffre remained dedicated to exploring new sounds and structures, making him a key figure in the evolution of modern jazz.

#16 Ken Peplowski

Ken Peplowski, born in 1959 in Cleveland, Ohio, is a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for his mastery of the swing and mainstream jazz idioms. Peplowski began his career as a teenager, playing in polka bands before moving to New York City, where he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra led by Buddy Morrow. He later became a prominent figure in the jazz scene, performing with legends such as Benny Goodman, Mel Tormé, and Peggy Lee.

Peplowski is celebrated for his warm, rich tone, impeccable technique, and ability to blend traditional swing with modern jazz sensibilities. He has recorded numerous albums as a leader, showcasing his versatility across a range of styles, from straight-ahead jazz to more contemporary interpretations. Peplowski’s dedication to the clarinet and his contributions to preserving and advancing the swing tradition have made him one of the most respected and admired clarinetists in jazz today.

#17 Richard Stoltzman

Richard Stoltzman, born in 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, is a world-renowned clarinetist known for his exceptional versatility in both classical and jazz music. Stoltzman has been a trailblazer in bringing the clarinet to a broader audience, performing as a soloist with major orchestras around the world and collaborating with some of the greatest musicians across various genres. Although primarily celebrated as a classical musician, Stoltzman has a deep connection to jazz, having worked with jazz greats such as Chick Corea, Keith Jarrett, and Wayne Shorter.

His jazz performances are characterized by their lyrical expressiveness, technical brilliance, and the ability to infuse classical discipline with the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. Stoltzman has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, and has recorded extensively, leaving a lasting impact on both the classical and jazz worlds. His contributions to the clarinet repertoire, particularly in bridging the gap between classical and jazz, have solidified his status as one of the instrument’s most influential figures.

#18 Anat Cohen

Anat Cohen, born in 1975 in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for her dynamic playing and innovative approach to both traditional and contemporary jazz. Cohen’s music draws on a wide range of influences, including swing, bebop, Latin, Brazilian, and Middle Eastern music, reflecting her diverse musical background. She moved to the United States to study at the Berklee College of Music and quickly established herself as a leading voice on the clarinet, a role that had been relatively rare in modern jazz.

Cohen’s albums, such as “Notes from the Village” and “Luminosa,” showcase her virtuosic technique, warm tone, and ability to blend different musical traditions seamlessly. She has received numerous awards, including multiple Jazz Journalists Association awards for Clarinetist of the Year. Cohen’s vibrant, expressive playing and commitment to expanding the clarinet’s role in jazz have made her one of the most celebrated and influential jazz musicians of her generation.

#19 Paquito D’Rivera

Paquito D’Rivera, born in 1948 in Havana, Cuba, is a Grammy-winning jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and composer known for his virtuosic playing and pioneering fusion of jazz with Latin American music. D’Rivera began his career in Cuba, where he was a child prodigy and later a member of the influential Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna and the innovative Cuban group Irakere. After defecting to the United States in 1980, D’Rivera quickly became a prominent figure in the jazz world, known for his ability to seamlessly blend the rhythms and melodies of his Latin heritage with the improvisational spirit of jazz.

His albums, such as “Portraits of Cuba” and “Live at the Blue Note,” showcase his extraordinary skill on both the clarinet and saxophone, as well as his talent for composition and arrangement. D’Rivera’s contributions to jazz have earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, and he remains a leading figure in the world of Latin jazz. His work has not only expanded the possibilities of jazz clarinet but has also helped to bring Latin jazz to a global audience.

#20 Evan Christopher

Evan Christopher, born in 1969 in Long Beach, California, is a jazz clarinetist known for his deep commitment to the tradition of New Orleans jazz. Christopher moved to New Orleans in the 1990s, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich musical heritage and quickly became one of the leading exponents of the New Orleans clarinet style. His playing is characterized by its warm, expressive tone, intricate ornamentation, and a deep understanding of the blues and Creole influences that define New Orleans jazz.

Christopher’s work often involves exploring and preserving the legacy of early jazz clarinetists like Sidney Bechet and Barney Bigard, while also bringing his own modern sensibility to the music. He has recorded several acclaimed albums, including “Clarinet Road” and “Django à la Créole,” which showcase his mastery of both traditional and contemporary jazz. Christopher’s dedication to the New Orleans style and his ability to innovate within that tradition have made him a respected figure in the jazz world.

#21 Pete Fountain

Pete Fountain, born in 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a legendary jazz clarinetist known for his smooth, fluid playing and his deep connection to the New Orleans jazz tradition. Fountain’s career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most popular and beloved figures in traditional jazz. His playing was characterized by its rich, warm tone and his ability to effortlessly blend melody with improvisation, making him a favorite among both jazz aficionados and casual listeners.

Fountain rose to national fame in the 1950s as a member of Lawrence Welk’s television show, where his clarinet solos became a highlight. He later went on to lead his own bands, performing regularly in New Orleans and touring extensively. Fountain’s music was deeply rooted in the New Orleans style, but he also incorporated elements of swing and pop, making his sound accessible to a wide audience. His recordings, including hits like “Basin Street Blues” and “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” remain classics of the jazz clarinet repertoire.

#22 Bob Wilber

Bob Wilber, born in 1928 in New York City, was a jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader known for his dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional jazz styles of the early 20th century. A student of Sidney Bechet, Wilber was deeply influenced by the New Orleans clarinet tradition and became one of its most prominent exponents in the post-World War II era. He was a versatile musician, equally adept on the clarinet and soprano saxophone, and his playing was characterized by its precision, swing, and respect for the classic jazz idiom.

Wilber co-founded the World’s Greatest Jazz Band in the 1960s and later led the Bechet Legacy Band, which was dedicated to performing the music of his mentor. Throughout his career, Wilber recorded extensively, both as a leader and a sideman, and his work helped to keep the traditional jazz repertoire alive for new generations of listeners. His contributions to jazz education, through both teaching and writing, further solidified his role as a key figure in the preservation of classic jazz.

#23 Albert Nicholas

Albert Nicholas, born in 1900 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was an influential jazz clarinetist who played a significant role in the development of traditional New Orleans jazz. Nicholas began his career in the early 1920s, playing with some of the leading figures of New Orleans jazz, including King Oliver and Louis Armstrong. He was known for his smooth, flowing clarinet style, which combined technical precision with a deep bluesy feeling, making him a favorite in both small combos and larger ensembles.

In the 1930s, Nicholas moved to Europe, where he spent much of his career performing and recording, helping to spread New Orleans jazz to new audiences. His recordings from this period, particularly those made in Paris, are highly regarded for their authentic representation of the New Orleans style. Nicholas was also a respected educator and mentor, influencing many younger musicians both in Europe and the United States. His dedication to the New Orleans tradition and his ability to adapt to different musical contexts made him a key figure in the history of jazz clarinet.

#24 Omer Simeon

Omer Simeon, born in 1902 in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a prominent jazz clarinetist and saxophonist known for his work with some of the most important early jazz ensembles. Simeon was one of the leading figures of the New Orleans Creole clarinet tradition, and his playing was characterized by its rich, warm tone and intricate, blues-infused improvisations. He gained early recognition as a member of Jelly Roll Morton’s Red Hot Peppers, with whom he recorded some of the most famous early jazz recordings, including “Black Bottom Stomp” and “Doctor Jazz.”

Simeon later joined the legendary Fletcher Henderson Orchestra, where his clarinet playing became a key component of the band’s innovative sound. Throughout his career, Simeon remained deeply connected to the New Orleans style, even as he adapted to the evolving jazz scene of the 1930s and 1940s. His contributions to the development of jazz clarinet and his role in some of the most important recordings of the early jazz era have made him a respected figure in the history of the genre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which jazz clarinetist is known as the “King of Swing” and helped popularize swing music in the 1930s and 1940s?

Benny Goodman is known as the “King of Swing” and was instrumental in bringing swing music to mainstream audiences during the 1930s and 1940s. His exceptional clarinet playing and leadership of one of the era’s most successful big bands made him a central figure in jazz history.

Which jazz clarinetist was a key figure in the New Orleans jazz revival and helped preserve the traditional style in the mid-20th century?

George Lewis was a key figure in the New Orleans jazz revival, known for his soulful, bluesy clarinet playing. He played a significant role in preserving and promoting the traditional New Orleans jazz style during the mid-20th century.

Who was the jazz clarinetist that rose to fame through his performances on the Lawrence Welk television show?

Pete Fountain became widely known for his smooth, melodic clarinet playing on the Lawrence Welk television show in the 1950s. He later became a beloved figure in the New Orleans jazz scene, leading his own bands and recording numerous hits.

Which jazz clarinetist is recognized for blending jazz with classical music and won multiple Grammy Awards for his work?

Richard Stoltzman is celebrated for his ability to blend jazz with classical music, showcasing his versatility on the clarinet. He has won multiple Grammy Awards and is renowned for his contributions to both jazz and classical music.