Terry Gibbs
Terry Gibbs began his career at the age of 12 after winning the Major Bowes Amateur Hour Contest and subsequently began touring professionally. He spent many years as a drummer and percussionist playing gigs until his affinity for bebop motivated him to turn down a scholarship to Julliard as a timpanist and return to the vibes. Six decades of inspirational vibe playing and technique, Gibbs is recognized as one of the best ever to grace the genre of bop.
After World War II, Gibbs toured with Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman. He co-led a sextet with Louie Bellson and Charlie Shavers; and in 1950, he formed his own band for Mel Torme's TV show. In 1951, he joined the Benny Goodman Sextet. Subsequently, he toured with his own band where he won acclaim as # 1 Vibraphonist in the world, in both the down beat and Metronome polls from 1950 to 1955. Gibbs also played a role in breaking down the sex barrier in music, using pianists Terry Pollard, who he often featured in vibe duos, and Alice McLeod, who later married John Coltrane.
Settling in Los Angeles in 1957, he formed his big band known as The Dream Band. Comprised of Mel Lewis, Joe Maini, Frank Rosolino, Conte Candoli and Richard Kamuca, they were named Best Band in the World in the Downbeat '62 Critic's Poll.
Gibbs returned to New York in the early sixties only to move back to LA to take a position as Music Director for the Regis Philbin Show. This gave him the opportunity to compose the music and conduct a sextet. He later served as Music Director/Composer for the ABC TV show, Operation Entertainment and for Steve Allen, building a substantial ASCAP rating. Gibbs also taught Steve Allen to play the vibes.
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Album Review
- 92 Years Young: Jammin' At The Gibbs House by Jack Bowers
- 92 Years Young: Jammin' At The Gibbs House by Dan Bilawsky
- Terry Gibbs Quartet Featuring Terry Pollard by Samuel Chell
Podcast
Album Review
- Findin' the Groove by Jack Bowers
- Feelin' Good: Live In The Studio by Stephen Latessa
Interview
Album Review
- 52nd & Broadway: Songs Of The Bebop Era by AAJ Staff
- 52nd & Broadway: Songs of the Bebop Era by Michael P. Gladstone
- 52nd And Broadway: Songs Of The Bebop Era by Mark Sabbatini
October 30, 2017
May 25, 2017
March 07, 2011
May 28, 2007
May 07, 2006
Jazzed Media to release new Terry Gibbs/Hubert Laws CD
July 21, 2004
Terry Gibbs' '52nd & Broadway: Songs of the Bebop Era' Will Be Released...
April 02, 2003
Terry Gibbs Tribute To Lionel Hampton At The Iridium Jazz Club, April...
Photos
Albums
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