Saxophonist Pete Christlieb was born into a house filled with classical music. His father, Don Christlieb was a world-renown double reed player who was heard on more than 750 productions over fifty years at 20th Century Fox in Los Angeles.

Pete began gigging professionally shortly after his graduation from high school. He subbed for his teacher Bob Cooper at The Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach and sat in with pianist Jimmy Rowles’ group at The Carriage House in Burbank, California. During this time he met and befriended Sarah Vaughan who came to sing with the band occasionally.

While in his 20s, Christlieb spent time playing, touring and recording with the likes of Carmen McRae, Sy Zentner, Della Reese, Louie Bellson, Pearl Bailey, Sonny Criss, Chet Baker and with the Woody Herman Orchestra. When Johnny Carson brought the Tonight Show to Los Angeles, Pete Christlieb was asked to join the band and became a regular with the ensemble for twenty years. Living in southern California allowed him to do lots of studio work, too, and he played for the Glen Campbell and Sonny and Cher variety programs, as well as being in the orchestra that played music for the Star Trek series on NBC. Pete also kept active on the club scene playing at Dante’s, The Baked Potato and Al Fonses. He also performed on Natalie Cole’s album “Unforgettable,” and is the saxophone soloist on the Steely Dan hit Deacon Blues.

Christlieb continues to perform and record today, and plays regularly with his quintet that features his wife, trombonist Linda. Today is Pete Christlieb’s 81st birthday.

Here is a link to Pete Christlieb and friends performing at Boxley’s in North Bend:

"AT BOXLEY'S"