Is Doc Severinsen Still Alive? Where is he Now?

Who is Doc Severinsen?  

Doc Severinsen, a retired American jazz trumpeter, gained fame for leading the NBC Orchestra on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. He was born in Arlington, Oregon, to Minnie Mae and Carl Severinsen. His father, who was the town’s only dentist and of German-Danish-Swiss descent, played the violin and wanted Doc to follow suit, but Doc preferred the trombone. However, due to his short arms and the unavailability of a trombone in the small-town music store, he settled for the cornet instead. With the help of a neighbor and the strict instruction of his father, who had tobacco in his mouth, Doc learned to play the cornet by spitting out the notes. His mother even threatened to punish him if he did not practice regularly.

Is Doc Severinsen Still Alive? 

Throughout his career, Doc Severinsen has performed with the Oregon Symphony in concert twenty-two times and has since moved to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He remains active in the music industry as a guest conductor and soloist. Doc’s extensive discography features numerous albums, showcasing his mastery of various genres, including ballads, blues, big bands, jazz fusion, and classical music. He was honored with a Grammy Award for “best jazz instrumental performance, the big band” for his work with the Tonight Show Band, highlighting his exceptional high-note range. One of his most beloved albums is Unforgettably Doc Music of Love & Romance, where he collaborated with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, conducted by Erich Kunzel. Doc Severinsen’s conducting career includes guest appearances with symphony orchestras in several cities, such as Phoenix, Buffalo, Colorado, Philadelphia, Seattle, Spokane, Minnesota, and Milwaukee, as well as the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall.

Where is Doc Severinsen Now?

Although he is most famous for his three-decade run as the flamboyantly dressed bandleader and comedic sidekick on “The Tonight Show,” Doc Severinsen is still actively involved in music and resides in Nashville. In a new “American Masters” documentary, Severinsen discusses the music that shaped his career in jazz trumpet. As part of “The Song That Changed My Life” segment, Severinsen joins other artists in reflecting on the songs that influenced their musical journeys.

Doc Severinsen Trumpet  

In a promotional statement, “Doc” Severinsen enthusiastically endorses the “Destino Generation 3” trumpet, which he considers to be one of the greatest trumpets ever made. After taking a hiatus from making horns due to a lack of like-minded individuals, Severinsen was recommended to Steve Shires, who shares his ideals about crafting high-quality trumpets. Shires employs around 25 craftsmen who are also professional brass players, ensuring that the horns are completely made in-house with no outsourcing. Severinsen speaks highly of the team’s enthusiasm and dedication to producing excellent instruments, stating that he loves the horn and feels that with practice, there is no limit to what he can achieve on it. 

How Old is Doc Severinsen?

Doc Severinsen, now 95 years old, discovered his talent for playing the trumpet at a young age. He was already part of a high school band when he was just seven years old, and at the age of nine, he won a trumpet contest in his home state. By 13, he had joined a multi-state all-star band, and at 14, he even auditioned for Tommy Dorsey, although he wasn’t hired. During his high school years, he formed a quartet called the Blue Notes that played at local dances. As of 2024, he is 95 years old.

Even before graduating from high school, Severinsen was offered a touring gig with the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. After completing his studies, he went on tour with other big band leaders such as Charlie Barnet, Tommy Dorsey, and Benny Goodman. He also served in the Army during World War II. From 1946 to 1951, Severinsen played trumpet in Sam Donahue’s band, and in 1946, he even performed on the trumpet for a radio station called KODL.

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