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Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16, 1913 - October 29, 1987), the celebrated American jazz clarinettist, saxophonist, singer, and big band leader came to prominence in the late 1930s and was active until his death in 1987. His bands often played music that was cutting edge and experimental for it's time and their recordings received numerous Grammy nominations. No other bandleader in the history of jazz had the staying power of Woody Herman. From the Band That Plays the Blues, through the many "Herds" that came and went from the 1940s to the 1980s, Herman managed to maintain vitality in his big bands as others ran out of steam and dropped out of the race. There were two keys to Herman's success. First, he continuously hired talented young players and arrangers. Second, he refused to lead a nostalgia band that played only hits of the past. The result was an ensemble that was always fresh and exciting, musically sharp, and - especially notable from the 1960s on, as rock music was eclipsing jazz - popular. This collection features eight of Woody Herman's best albums, released originally between 1952 and 1963. An ideal compilation of Herman's best re-masters ever compiled, this collection is both an ideal starting point for beginners to the great man's music, an, equally, an extraordinary reminder of some of the best jazz ever made.