Herbie Spanier

Herbie Spanier was born in Cupar, Saskatchewan on December 25th, 1928. He was 13 years old when he began playing bugle for the Sea Cadets (the first step towards a career in which he would evolve into one of the great jazz trumpeters). In the early 1950's Herbie moved to Toronto. It was there that he worked with Trump Davidson and Benny Winestone before joining Benny Louis. His association with Paul Bley is long-standing and dates back to this era as well.

In the late 1960's at the Colonial Tavern in Toronto, Miles Davis gave Spanier his trumpet and urged him to take the stand. Herbie also visited Miles in New York City. Herbie Spanier continues to compose and perform, maintaining his legendary reputation. Mr. Spanier passed away in December, 2001.