Donn Trenner

Donald Trenner (March 10, 1927 – May 16, 2020) was an American jazz pianist and arranger born in New Haven, Connecticut.

Donn Trenner
Donn Trenner (right) with Helen Carr, Sammy Herman, Joe Bianco, Nola's, New York, N.Y. ca. February 1947.
Photograph by William P. Gottlieb
Background information
Born(1927-03-10)March 10, 1927
New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
DiedMay 16, 2020(2020-05-16) (aged 93)
GenresJazz
Occupation(s)
InstrumentsPiano
Associated acts
  • Ted Fio Rito
  • Charlie Barnet

Career

He began his career playing with Ted Fio Rito from 1943–45, and followed this with a slot in Buddy Morrow's orchestra in 1947. He worked with Charlie Barnet in 1951 and following this with Jerry Gray, Charlie Parker, Stan Getz, Georgie Auld, Jerry Fielding, Skinnay Ennis, Les Brown, Dick Haymes, Jack Jones, Lena Horne, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine and Nancy Wilson. In 1957 he played with Oscar Pettiford and toured Europe in 1958 with Anita O'Day. He also toured with Bob Hope entertaining the U.S. troops. Additionally, he recorded with Tommy Dorsey, Vic Schoen, Howard McGhee, Frances Faye, Betty Roche, Nelson Riddle, Paul Broadnax, Charles Mingus, and Ben Webster.

In the 1960s, Trenner worked as a studio musician, and led The Steve Allen Show house band.[1] He continued working in television throughout the 1970s and 80s.

Personal life

In 1966 Trenner married actress and singer B.J. Ward, but they divorced in 1978.[2] But she remained one of his closest and dearest friends until his death.[3]

Later he married Marycarmen Jones (m.1990 - 2005). They had a daughter, Sara Trenner.

Discography

With Dave Pell

With Betty Roché

With Ben Webster

References
  1. Paul Bass (May 31, 2013). "A Jazz Legend Reforms A "Meter Beater"". New Haven Independent.
  2. Don Heckman (March 13, 1987). "B.J. Ward: She Talks A Good Show". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 5, 2017.
  3. Leave It To Me... My Life in Music, Donn Trenner and Tim Atherton
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