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Marty Napoleon

America's exciting piano personality Marty Napoleon is a native of Brooklyn. At the age of 15 Marty commenced his association with the keyboard. With just 2 years of piano knowledge, Marty organized his own large dance band at the age of seventeen. Prior to reaching his 20th birthday, Marty joined the Bob Astor band. As a pianist with that band, Marty associated with it's members-Neal Hefti, Shelly Manne, Les Elgart,atc. The year 1941 found Marty Napoleon a featured soloist with the Chico Marx band, By the time Marty had completed his stint with this then popular band he was asked to join the Joe Venuti organization. From this point on the talented Marty Napoleon moved from one band to another trying to please all bids for his services. Thesc bands included- Gone Krupa, Enoch Light, Jerry Wald, Charlie Barnet, etc. The year 1950 found Marty Napoleon one of America's leading keyboard artists. During this period Marty worked with the Phil Napoleon’s Memphis Five group. His role in his famous uncle's combo helped him to get closer to his numerous fans stretched-out all over the country and in Canada. The year 1951 once again found the name Marty Napoleon mentioned constantly in leading trade publications. Marty joined the Big Four which was formed by Charlie Ventura, Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich and Marty Napoleon. With this dynamic package Marty once again established his keyboard artistry solidly. The BIG FOUR combo won all popularity polls and no other group in the world could equal it's popularity except that of the famous LOUIS ARMSTRONG. After the Big Four was no more, Marty was asked by Louis to join his all stars thus putting the dynamic pianist on display once again for countless numbers of fans and at the same time meeting Armstrong fans. It would take pages to list all the recordings, appearances, friends, raves, commendations, radio & television appearances, motion pictures, etc, which Marty Napoleon has been active in.


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Catching Up With

Marty and Brent: The Napoleon Duo Affair

Read "Marty and Brent: The Napoleon Duo Affair" reviewed by Nicholas F. Mondello


Pianist Marty Napoleon, now a spry 93, is a walking history of 20th Century jazz. He's been a Louis Armstrong All-Star and has performed worldwide with all the greats of jazz. Recently, Marty's grandson, Brent Napoleon has brought to the jazz world a series of Marty Napoleon recordings collected as Try This!. The effort is anticipated to be the first of a series of projects about this legendary performer and his musical family. All About Jazz: Marty ...

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Profile

Marty Napoleon: Covering all 88 Keys

Read "Marty Napoleon: Covering all 88 Keys" reviewed by Elliott Simon


Post-WWII New York City was a vibrant and musically creative club environment and pianist Marty Napoleon was a significant part of that scene and continues, through what is now a 60+-year career in the music business, to add more than a dash of pizzazz to any musical endeavor with which he is associated. His impressive resume includes stints with saxophonist Charlie Ventura, drummer Gene Krupa and the Louis Armstrong All-Stars. It is not surprising that Napoleon became ...

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Video / DVD

Marty Napoleon Centennial

Marty Napoleon Centennial

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

You'd think that a guy who played piano as impressively as the late Marty Napoleon would be an aloof character. After all, Marty was the guy who replaced Earl “Fatha" Hines in Louis Armstrong's All Stars in 1952. That alone would have earned him the right to be a cool, reserved cat. But that wasn't Marty. He was an outgoing keyboardist who shared Armstrong's passion for affability and musical exceptionalism. Marty came from a loving jazz family and was blessed ...

1

Obituary

Marty Napoleon (1921-2015)

Marty Napoleon (1921-2015)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Marty Napoleon, a stride pianist who was as at home playing New Orleans and Chicago jazz as he was swing and who played with numerous bands and ensembles from the 1940s on, most notably Louis Armstrong and the All Stars, died on April 27. He was 93. [Photo above of Marty Napoleon and his late wife, Marie “Bebe" Napoleon. They were married for 67 years] “Bebe" (nee Marie Giordano) Napoleon for 67 years. Like Armstrong, Marty always had a smile ...

Recording

90 Year Old Pianist Marty Napoleon Releases His First New Album In Decades Called Swingin' At 90

90 Year Old Pianist Marty Napoleon Releases His First New Album In Decades Called Swingin' At 90

Source: DiCesare

90 year old pianist Marty Napoleon reinvents himself and plays in the electro-swing style of jazz on his first new album in decades. Marty Napoleon is best known for playing piano with Louis Armstrong during the 1950s. In addition, Napoleon has played with such jazz legends as Gene Krupa, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton and the Big Four featuring Charlie Ventura, Chubby Jackson, and Buddy Rich. Musician and Producer, Ron DiCesare has opted not to present Napoleon's songs in a traditional ...

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Interview

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 3)

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 3)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

It's hard enough to play jazz professionally. Now imagine you're playing with Louis Armstrong and musicians like trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, bassist Milt Hinton, drummer Cozy Cole and vocalist Velma Middelton. That's jazz of the highest order. Plus artists who know a thing or two about entertainment. Pianist Marty Napoleon did just that, both in the U.S. and on tour with Louis Armstrong's All Stars in the early '50s and late '60s. [Pictured: Marty Napoleon and Louis Armstrong] ...

31

Interview

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 2)

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 2)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

After playing with a series of big bands in the mid-'40s, pianist  Marty Napoleon recorded in small bop groups in the late '40s. His optimistic, high-energy personality and keen ear endeared him to many of the top players on the scene. He got along with everyone, even Buddy Rich, though that was a close call. [Photo of Marty Napoleon courtesy of Betty and Chris] Oh, by the way, today's Marty's 90th birthday. Happy birthday, Marty!! In Part 2 of my ...

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Interview

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 1)

Interview: Marty Napoleon (Part 1)

Source: JazzWax by Marc Myers

Marty Napoleon is probably best known as the pianist in Louis Armstrong's All Stars, starting in 1952. That in and of itself would make Marty a superstar, considering who was in that band. But perhaps even more surprising is that Marty did not read music in the early part of his professional career. All of his jazz-playing skills came from his ear and a family thick with musicians, including pianist Teddy Napoleon and uncle Phil Napoleon. What also may news ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Try This

Self Produced
2014

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The Big Three

Enja Records
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