Herb Alpert, the American Jazz Musician

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Herb Alpert, the American Jazz Musician
In the entertainment industry, it can be “challenging to remain consistent” (Stephens 1). That implies doing the same thing and doing it well on a continuous basis. In music “one-hit wonders” are here today and gone forever. However, Herb Alpert is the exact opposite. He has managed to maintain a life of creativity for a long time. There is no doubt that Herb Alpert is the definition of a true legend. He has enjoyed a long and successful career as a trumpet player, composer, co-founding a record company and philanthropist. Healthy and vibrant, the American musician tours and performs and also nurturing young talent through his foundation. The success of Herb warrants the examination of his long-term career in music and his contribution to the American music culture.
Earlier Life
Herb Alpert was born on March 31, 1935. The 83-year-old is an American Jazz musician who is associated with the renowned group Herp & Alpert. He was born in the Boyle Heights neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a family with Jewish heritage, with parents who had immigrated to the United States from Ukraine and Romania. His father was a gifted mandolin player while his mother taught violin lessons. As a result, both Herb and his brother David (a drummer) were introduced to music at a tender age. At eight years old, Herb started learning trumpet in his elementary school. He was fortunate to get exposure to music at an early age. During that time arts were “cut out of public schools,” which prevented a majority of children from having “such an opportunity” (Herbalpert.com 1). Herb managed to acquire a wire recorder in high school which allowed him to further his interest in music.
Starting Music Career
He eventually graduated from the Fairfax High school in 1952. Herb joined the United States Army and performed at various military events. After serving in the army, Herb tried acting but decided to pursue a career in music. While at the University of Southern California, he joined the USC Trojan Marching Band and worked with them for two years. In 1957, Herb collaborated with Lou Adler, “an upcoming lyricist for the Keen records” (The Biography.com). Together, they managed to score top hits like “Baby Talk” by Jan & Dean.
A&M Records Label
Herbs co-founded A&M Records with his partner Jerry Moss. The label has remained one of the most prosperous artist-owned companies ever established. From 1962 to 1992, Herbs sighed artists to the label and produced records. Some of the artists signed into the label include Janet Jackson, The Police and Sheryl Crow. In 1987, the two co-founders agreed to sell A&M to PolyGram Records for $500 million (Collar 1). However, they continued to manage the label until 1993. However, they left due to frustrations from the PolyGram’s pressure to force them to fit into its corporate culture. The two sued PolyGram for the “breach if integrity clause” and received an additional $200 million (Collar 1). Herb and Jerry invested in their Almo Sounds music publishing company as a way of producing music for Herb and other artists.
The Tijuana Brass
According to Collar (1), in 1962, Herb released the first album, “The Lonely Bull” under the Tijuana Brass. In the album, Herb experimented with overdubbing the trumpet lines to make a full brass band sound. The title track of the album, written by Sol Lake was inspired by Herb’s experience of bullfight he witnessed in Mexico. The song was number six hit in the country. Herb produced volume 2 in 1963 and South of the Border album in 1964. The album became a Top Ten hit and a collection of mariachi arrangements. It also featured pop covers of artists like the Beatles. In 1965, Herb and his crew members decided to move away from the Mexican-themed sound. Herb embraced an easy listening vibe which led to the songs like “Lollipops and Roses” and “A Taste of the Honey.” The album was received well and sold more than six million copies in th...