Herbie Haymer | |
|---|---|
 Label of "Laguna Leap" by the Herbie Haymer Quintet | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Herbert Maximillum “Herbie” Haymer |
| Born | July 24, 1915 Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | April 11, 1949 (aged 33) Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | |
| Years active | 1932–1949 |
Herbert Haymer (July 24, 1915 – April 11, 1949) was an American jazz reedist, known primarily as a saxophonist in big bands.
Haymer was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on July 24, 1915.[1] He played alto saxophone from age 15 and picked up tenor at age 20.[2]
He played with the Carl Sears-Johnny Watson Band, then played with Rudy Vallee, Charlie Barnet, Red Norvo (1935–1937), Jimmy Dorsey (1937–1941), Woody Herman (1941–1942), Kay Kyser (1942–1943), Benny Goodman, and Dave Hudkins.[2] In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy, and after returning he worked as a session musician, including dates with Red Nichols and Goodman.[2] In 1945, he led a quintet featuring Charlie Shavers and Nat King Cole on recording, and had three songs issued on Keynote Records in 1946.[2] In 1949 he recorded with Frank Sinatra and was killed in an automobile accident after a session;[2] he died in Santa Monica, California, on April 11.[1]
