Bunny Berigan

Bunny Berigan
Background information
Birth nameRoland Bernard Berigan
Born(1908-11-02)November 2, 1908
Hilbert, Wisconsin, U.S.
DiedJune 2, 1942(1942-06-02) (aged 33)
New York City, U.S.
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)Musician, bandleader
Instrument(s)Trumpet, vocals
Years active1930–1942

Roland Bernard "Bunny" Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who rose to fame during the swing era. Although he composed some jazz instrumentals such as "Chicken and Waffles" and "Blues", Berigan was best known for his virtuoso jazz trumpeting. His 1937 classic recording "I Can't Get Started" on RCA Victor was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1975. His career and influence were shortened by alcoholism which ended with his early death at the age of 33 from cirrhosis. His recordings of "I Can't Get Started" on Vocalion and "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" were re-released in 1976 as part of the Columbia Records Hall of Fame series.