Jazz Guitar Life Network
Howard Roberts: Legendary, Versatile Guitarist
Howard Roberts: Legendary Guitarist
One of the most versatile and talented guitarists of all time was the late, great Howard Roberts. Roberts was primarily a jazz guitarist and he fronted some legendary jazz combos with many of the greatest players in the world back in the 1950-80s.
But what made Howard extra special was his ability to play various genres of music on guitar, including pop, rock and blues. He was probably the most sought-after session guitarist in the industry from the early 1950s through his death in the 1990s. Whether playing for TV or Hollywood film scores or doing studio work backing up with singers like Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and Tony Bennett, Howard was uncanny in his creativity and his tone was simply beautiful. This same man who made landmark jazz albums also played lead guitar on dozens of TV and movies themes. Remember the guitar parts on the "Twilight Zone" and "The Munsters" TV shows? That was Howard Roberts.
Howard was also a sensational guitar teacher. It was he who started the Guitar Institute of Technology in California, the first recognized music school just for guitarists. Gibson still markets the Signature Model Howard Roberts Fusion III guitar, a beautiful hollow body guitar with a unique look, tone and feel. Sadly, I know of no available videos of him performing live. But if you'd like to hear a great guitarist, pick up a Howard Roberts CD.
One of the most versatile and talented guitarists of all time was the late, great Howard Roberts. Roberts was primarily a jazz guitarist and he fronted some legendary jazz combos with many of the greatest players in the world back in the 1950-80s.
But what made Howard extra special was his ability to play various genres of music on guitar, including pop, rock and blues. He was probably the most sought-after session guitarist in the industry from the early 1950s through his death in the 1990s. Whether playing for TV or Hollywood film scores or doing studio work backing up with singers like Bobby Darin, Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme and Tony Bennett, Howard was uncanny in his creativity and his tone was simply beautiful. This same man who made landmark jazz albums also played lead guitar on dozens of TV and movies themes. Remember the guitar parts on the "Twilight Zone" and "The Munsters" TV shows? That was Howard Roberts.
Howard was also a sensational guitar teacher. It was he who started the Guitar Institute of Technology in California, the first recognized music school just for guitarists. Gibson still markets the Signature Model Howard Roberts Fusion III guitar, a beautiful hollow body guitar with a unique look, tone and feel. Sadly, I know of no available videos of him performing live. But if you'd like to hear a great guitarist, pick up a Howard Roberts CD.
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