Biography
Mitchell Herbert (Herb) Ellis (born August 4, 1921) is an American jazz guitarist.Growing up on the outskirts of Dallas, Texas, EllisHerb Ellis first heard the electric guitar performed by George Barnes on a radio program. This experience is said to have inspired him to take up the guitar. He became proficient on the instrument by the time he entered North Texas State University as a music major. Ellis majored in music, but because they did not have a guitar program he studied the string bass. Unfortunately and due to lack of funds his college days were short lived. In 1941 Herb dropped out of college and toured for 6 months with a band from the University of Kansas. In 1943 joined Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra and it was with Gray's band that he got his first recognition in the jazz magazines. After Gray's band, Ellis joined the Jimmy Dorsey band where he played some of his first recorded solos.
Playing with Oscar Peterson
Sheet Music Archive
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