Derrick Gardner

About

Chicago-born jazz trumpeter who has played with some of jazz's most popular groups, such as the Count Basie Orchestra. He has been lauded by critics for his extreme skill at improvisation.

Before Fame

He picked up trumpet at age nine and became a local sensation upon moving to New York City in 1991.

Trivia

His own group, Derrick Gardner & the Jazz Prophets, won the Independent Music Award for Best Jazz Album for their 2009 album "Echoes of Ethnicity".

Family Life

His mother Effie is a classically-trained musician who earned her doctorate from Michigan State University.

Associated With

He has worked with a long list of collaborators, including saxophone legend James Moody.