Herbie Haymer

Haymer was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on July 24, 1915.^[1] He played alto saxophone from age 15 and picked up tenor at age 20.^[2]

He played with the Carl Sears-Johnny Watson Band, then played with Rudy Vallee, Charlie Barnet, Red Norvo (1935–1937), Jimmy Dorsey (1937–1941), Woody Herman (1941–1942), Kay Kyser (1942–1943), Benny Goodman, and Dave Hudkins.^[2] In 1944, he enlisted in the Navy, and after returning he worked as a session musician, including dates with Red Nichols and Goodman.^[2] In 1945, he led a quintet featuring Charlie Shavers and Nat King Cole on recording, and had three songs issued on Keynote Records in 1946.^[2] In 1949 he recorded with Frank Sinatra and was killed in an automobile accident after a session;^[2] he died in Santa Monica, California, on April 11 1949.^[1]

• Herbie Haymer recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings.