Harry Betts


Harry Betts was an American jazz trombonist.

Background

Born in New York and raised in Fresno, California, he was active as a jazz trombonist and played with Stan Kenton's orchestra in the 1950s. He can be heard on the album Get Happy! by Ella Fitzgerald.

Music

He wrote and orchestrated soundtracks for several films, including A Swingin' Summer, The Big Mouth, A Time for Dying, The Fantastic Plastic Machine, Goodnight, My Love, Black Mama White Mama, Little Cigars and Nice Dreams. Music from his score to Black Mama White Mama was used in the 2003 soundtrack for Kill Bill, Volume 1. In 1977, he was nominated and won a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement - "Nadia's Theme ", with Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin Jr.
Aside from his work in scoring, he was known for his numerous arrangements for singer Jack Jones.

Discography

As sideman

With Elmer Bernstein
With Bobby DarinVenice Blue
With Fred KatzFolk Songs for Far Out Folk
With Stan KentonStan Kenton's Milestones Encores A Presentation of Progressive Jazz Innovations in Modern Music Stan Kenton Presents This Modern World The Kenton Era The Innovations Orchestra
With Barney KesselCarmen
With Shorty RogersCool and Crazy Shorty Rogers Courts the Count The Swingin' Nutcracker Jazz Waltz
With Pete RugoloIntroducing Pete Rugolo Adventures in Rhythm Rugolomania Rugolo Plays Kenton

Awards