Kenneth “Red” Norvo was born on March 31, 1908 in Beardstown, Illinois. Norvo helped establish the vibraphone as a jazz instrument. Norvo played xylophone , marimba and was one of the earliest practitioners of the vibraphone which first hit the market in 1924. His first regular gig was with a Chicago band called The Collegians when Norvo was only 17. Aside from extensive work as a small group leader during his career, he also played in the bands led by Benny Goodman, Paul Whiteman, Charlie Barnet and Woody Herman.

Norvo made a number of recordings with his wife, Mildred Bailey, which have become classics. He also backed up singers Billie Holiday, Dinah Shore and Frank Sinatra and can be seen playing behind Dean Martin in the movie “Oceans 11” during the song Ain’t That a Kick in the Head. Starting in 1949 Norvo began playing regularly in a trio setting with vibraphone, guitar and bass. This group introduced the world to new jazz talents like Tal Farlow, Jimmy Raney and Charles Mingus.

“Red” Norvo continued to record and tour through the mid 1980s when he suffered a stroke which forced him into retirement. He passed away in 1999 at the age of 91.

Here is a link to his trio with Tal Farlow:

"ALL OF ME"