Life Member. Trumpet
1/3/1924 – 1/19/2016
by Judith Feierman, wife
Jack Feierman, a giant in the world of music who contributed as a player, composer, conductor and arranger to some of the most famous acts of the 20th Century, died at home on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at the age of 91.
He was known throughout the world of music as a consummate professional who always represented the best of the best.
Beginning at age 4 in his native Omaha, Jack studied piano and switched to trumpet in his early teens while aspiring to become a singer and dancer. In his early years of New York performing, he had a cabaret act written by Woody Allen.
His great talent led him to receive his BA in Music Education along with extensive study of Orchestral Conducting Techniques at the New York Eastman School of music. For many decades, he taught conducting techniques at the Dick Grove School of Music and the University of California in Los Angeles.
His 40 years of conducting included symphony orchestras in Pittsburgh, Denver, Dallas, Utah, Minnesota, Tulsa, New Orleans, Canton, Atlanta, Carnegie Hall, Madison Square Garden, Melbourne, Australia, and in Florida. He also served as musical conductor for the greats of American music including Johnny Mathis, Sergio Mendez, Jose Feliciano, the Osmonds, the Lennon Sisters, Frank Sinatra, and Natalie Cole, and for 22 years he was musical director for Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme. He has also played trumpet for numerous TV shows, recordings and movies, besides playing with such name bands as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Billy May and was first trumpet with the Count Basie Band.
Performing with the Frank Sinatra Diamond Jubilee, world tours with Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, and command performances for the Royal Family of England and at the Ford Theatre in Washington, D.C. for President and Mrs. Reagan were among the high points of his career.
His TV performances included the NBC Orchestra, Elvis, “Charlie’s Angels,” Andy Williams, Dean Martin, Phyllis Diller, Barney Miller, “Starsky & Hutch” and award shows for the Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes. As one of the premier conductors and players in the country he conducted and/or performed with every size orchestra from swing bands to symphonies.
For the last several decades Jack was a continuous member of the Steve Speigl Band as well as the Johnny Vana Alumni All-Stars, still playing at age 91 one week before his death.
Although only slightly known by the public, people in the industry regarded Jack with the highest esteem and thought of him as a most humble and gentle human being. His skillful abilities made the best in music and his generous personality always made people feel better about everything.
Jack leaves Judith, his wife of more than 20 years and is survived by his daughter Jackie and stepson, Brad.
Jack maintained Union membership in Omaha, New York and Los Angeles and a memorial is planned at Local 47, 817 Vine Street, Hollywood on March 12, 2:30 – 6:30 pm.
