A Brief Biography of Gerry Mulligan

Cool Jazz Pioneer

 Gerald Joseph Mulligan was born April 6, 1927.  He was raised in and around Philadelphia.  He started doing arrangements early, working with Johnny Warrington's band.  He went to New York City, and had a hit recorded by Gene Krupa called "Disc Jockey Jump" in 1947.  He then hooked up with Miles Davis, Gil Evans and others to work on the "Birth of the Cool" sessions, playing and arranging many of the tunes.  Miles gave Gerry his nickname "Jeru".(See further information on the "Birth of the Cool" here.)  It was ironic that this style, created in New York, became associated with the more laid-back California lifestyle, and was known as "west coast jazz".

 After spending some time writing and playing with Claude Thornhill, Mulligan moved to California in 1952 looking for more gigs and opportunities.  Playing the baritone sax, he hooked up with Chet Baker on trumpet, Chico Hamilton on drums and Carson Smith on bass to play a Monday night gig at The Haig in Los Angeles.  Since there was no room for a piano on the small stage, they went without a chorded instrument.  The style really struck a chord with the locals, and then with the national audience.  Their recordings became popular, putting them on the map, and creating the quintessential cool jazz sound.  Throughout the fifties, Mulligan worked with various small groups and continued using the approach he'd pioneered, with no piano or chordal instrument.  These groups included Art Farmer and Bob Brookmeyer, among others.

In 1960, Mulligan created the Concert Jazz Band, which was a big band that used the same approach, including a rhythm section with no piano.  This group was very successful, touring the world and recording several albums.

Mulligan continued to play and write, and toured often with Dave Brubeck and his group.  Mulligan developed an interest in symphonic works, and worked with the Canadian composer Harry Freedman on several symphonic works, including turning several of Mulligan's tunes into works for baritone sax soloist with a symphony.  He also worked with Dave Grusin, and wrote a variety of film music.

In 1991, Mulligan contacted Miles Davis about re-recording the tunes from "Birth of the Cool".  Miles was enthusiastic, but passed away before the project could be completed.  Mulligan went ahead with Wallace Rooney taking the trumpet chair, and released "Re-Birth of the Cool" in 1992.

In 1991, Mulligan was inducted into "The American Jazz Hall of Fame." He was also inducted into the Lionel Hampton School of Music's Jazz Hall of Fame in February of 1992 and was awarded the Sarasota Jazz Club's Satchmo Award in 1993. In 1994, he was inducted into Down Beat magazines Hall of Fame.  He often won the Down Beat jazz poll for baritone saxophone.

Mulligan died in January, 1996.  Throughout his career, Mulligan was a composer and arranger, as much as he was a player.  He was also known for wanting to play; he didn't like to stand around while others played, so he would jump in when the spririt moved him.  He was also known for wanting to play anywhere, with any kind of group.

(For more information on Gerry Mulligan, visit the Mulligan Publishing Company web site.)

For a wide selection of Gerry Mulligan CD's, go to our Amazon.com store page: Gerry Mulligan Music