# Artie Shaw

> American clarinetist, composer, and bandleader (1910-2004)

**Wikidata**: [Q320065](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q320065)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artie_Shaw)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/artie-shaw

## Summary
Artie Shaw was an American clarinetist, composer, and bandleader (1910–2004) who became a prominent figure in jazz and big band music during the mid-20th century. Known for his energetic clarinet playing and innovative compositions, he led the Artie Shaw Orchestra and achieved widespread popularity with hits like "Begin the Beguine." His work helped shape the sound of swing music and influenced generations of musicians.

## Biography
- Born: May 23, 1910, in Queens, New York, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Studied at the New York Conservatory of Music
- Known for: Pioneering clarinet techniques in jazz and leading the Artie Shaw Orchestra
- Employer(s): RCA Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, Brunswick Records, Musicraft Records
- Field(s): Jazz, big band music, clarinet performance

## Contributions
- **Artie Shaw Orchestra**: Led the orchestra from 1925 to 1946, producing numerous recordings and live performances that popularized swing music.
- **Compositions**: Wrote iconic songs such as "Begin the Beguine" (1935), which became a jazz standard and was later covered by artists like Frank Sinatra.
- **Film Appearances**: Appeared in films like *Second Chorus* (1940), contributing to his crossover appeal in Hollywood.
- **Record Label Work**: Signed with major labels including RCA Records, Columbia Records, and Capitol Records, helping to distribute his music widely.
- **Influence on Jazz**: Developed a distinctive clarinet style that blended classical and jazz influences, inspiring later clarinetists.

## FAQs
**What instruments did Artie Shaw play?**
Artie Shaw was primarily known as a clarinetist, but he also played the saxophone and piano, contributing to the versatility of his musical performances.

**What was Artie Shaw’s most famous song?**
"Begin the Beguine" (1935) was one of Artie Shaw’s most famous compositions, becoming a jazz standard and a signature piece of his repertoire.

**Which record labels did Artie Shaw work with?**
Artie Shaw was signed to RCA Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, Brunswick Records, and Musicraft Records throughout his career.

**What was the name of Artie Shaw’s band?**
Artie Shaw led the Artie Shaw Orchestra, which was active from 1925 to 1946 and helped define the sound of swing music.

**Where did Artie Shaw study music?**
Artie Shaw studied at the New York Conservatory of Music, where he honed his classical and jazz playing skills.

## Why They Matter
Artie Shaw mattered as a pioneer of jazz clarinet and a key figure in the development of swing music. His compositions and performances helped shape the sound of big band jazz, influencing countless musicians. His work with major record labels ensured his music reached a wide audience, and his film appearances expanded his cultural impact. As a composer, he created enduring pieces like "Begin the Beguine," which remain staples of jazz and pop music. His legacy endures through his innovative playing style and the lasting influence on clarinetists and jazz musicians.

## Notable For
- **Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award**: Recognized for his contributions to jazz music.
- **Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Honored for his influence on entertainment and music.
- **NEA Jazz Masters Award**: Awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts for his significant impact on jazz.
- **Jazz Standard Composer**: "Begin the Beguine" remains a defining piece of jazz history.
- **Big Band Leader**: The Artie Shaw Orchestra was a defining force in swing music.
- **Film Actor**: Appeared in *Second Chorus* (1940), showcasing his crossover appeal.
- **Record Label Signings**: Worked with RCA Records, Columbia Records, and Capitol Records, ensuring widespread distribution of his music.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Artie Shaw was born Arthur Jacob Arshawsky on May 23, 1910, in Queens, New York. He studied at the New York Conservatory of Music, where he developed his classical training. His early exposure to both classical and jazz music shaped his unique playing style.

### Career Beginnings
Shaw began his professional career in the early 1920s, playing clarinet and saxophone in various bands. His early performances showcased his ability to blend classical technique with jazz improvisation, setting him apart from his peers.

### Artie Shaw Orchestra
In 1925, Shaw formed the Artie Shaw Orchestra, which became a prominent big band in the swing era. The orchestra’s recordings and live performances helped popularize swing music, reaching a wide audience through radio and recordings.

### Notable Compositions
Shaw composed "Begin the Beguine" in 1935, which became a jazz standard and a signature piece of his repertoire. The song’s catchy melody and innovative arrangement made it a staple of jazz and pop music, with numerous cover versions by artists like Frank Sinatra.

### Film Appearances
Shaw appeared in the film *Second Chorus* (1940), contributing to his crossover appeal in Hollywood. His performances in the film helped expand his audience beyond jazz enthusiasts, showcasing his versatility as a musician and entertainer.

### Record Label Work
Shaw signed with major record labels including RCA Records, Columbia Records, and Capitol Records, ensuring the widespread distribution of his music. His recordings with these labels helped establish his reputation as a leading jazz clarinetist and composer.

### Awards and Recognition
Shaw received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the NEA Jazz Masters Award for his significant contributions to jazz music. These honors recognized his influence on the genre and his lasting impact on clarinet playing.

### Legacy
Artie Shaw’s innovative playing style and compositions continue to influence jazz musicians. His work with the Artie Shaw Orchestra and his iconic songs like "Begin the Beguine" remain enduring contributions to jazz history. His legacy endures through his recordings, performances, and the lasting influence on clarinetists and jazz musicians.

## References

1. Carnegie Hall linked open data
2. BnF authorities
3. Integrated Authority File
4. The Peerage
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. AllMusic
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. MusicBrainz
9. Discogs
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. Shaw, Artie (23 May 1910–30 December 2004), bandleader
14. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
15. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
16. Roglo
17. [Source](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A37911-2004Dec30.html)
18. Library of Congress Authorities
19. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1941)
22. BBC Things
23. [Source](http://iswcnet.cisac.org/)
24. LIBRIS. 2018
25. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
26. The Movie Database