Woody Herman began playing saxophone and clarinet at a very early age, as part of his theatrical career. During his teenage years, he continued in this vein, this time joining orchestras with which he toured. Among these was Woody Herman, who took over the Isham Jones' Juniors in the '30s, when the ensemble was on the verge of disbanding. A few years later, Igor Stravinsky was seduced by this group, renamed The First Herd, for whom he composed the prestigious "Ebony Concerto". Woody Herman then organized an orchestra that differed in its choice of musicians, but whose name, The Second Herd, expressed a certain form of continuity. The end of the '40s was not an auspicious time for the large orchestra, which ceased to perform, so the leader embarked on smaller formations before setting up The Third Herd, the third of the name, with which he toured Europe. At the time, many talented young musicians joined this orchestra to gain their first experience. These included Shorty Rogers, and the quartet of Zoot Sims, Herbie Stewart, Serge Chaloff and Stan Getz, known as the Four Brothers. Closely following the evolution of jazz, the orchestra's repertoire also included compositions by musicians such as John Coltrane and Chick Corea in the 60s. Unfortunately, the orchestra's financial difficulties were compounded by the malice of Woody Herman's manager, which led to health problems until his death in the late 80s.
