 FRED RADKE is a masterful trumpeter, big-band conductor,
musical clinician and educator, recording artist, composer and arranger, and
producer. Along with vocalist Gina Funes, Fred has captivated hordes of veteran
big-band music fans as well as novice listeners throughout the Pacific
Northwest, Canada, and across North America. Fred has also performed six tours
of the Far East. In 2005 as music director, Fred Radke won the Telly Award for
the Museum of Flight’s Wings of Heroes. In 2006 he won another Telly Award for
Apollo 13.
EARLY CAREER: Born in Oakland, California, Fred started playing trumpet
professionally at the age of fifteen. Over the next three years, Fred led the
band of a steamship line during ocean crossings of the Pacific and gained
additional experience by working with Marlene Dietrich (with Burt Bacharach
conducting), and Johnny Mathis. He furthered his education by attending the
College of San Mateo and was featured as guest trumpet soloist and musical
director of "The Lancers".
WITH HARRY JAMES: Perhaps the most important musical influence in Fred's early
career was that of legendary jazz trumpet player Harry James. In what can only
be described as a dream come true for Fred, he joined the Harry James Orchestra
as lead trumpet player and toured with his mentor. Fred cherished his time with
Harry and considered it a great compliment when other musicians, including Harry
himself, would remark as to the similarity of Fred's sound and musical style to
that of his mentor.
In early 1989, Fred was asked by the Harry James Estate and Columbia Artists to
lead the Harry James Orchestra for the 50th Anniversary of Harry James, where
they performed 71 concerts throughout the United States. In 1994-95, Fred led a
Tribute to Harry James in a battle of the Big Bands on an International Tour. In
1998, Fred was once again the leader of the Harry James Orchestra for a
coast-to-coast tour where they performed 75 concerts for Jomar and Columbia
Artists.
|
