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

With Elmer Bernstein
  • "The Man with the Golden Arm"
With Bobby Darin
  • Venice Blue
With Fred Katz
With Stan Kenton
With Barney Kessel
  • Carmen
With Shorty Rogers
  • Cool and Crazy
  • Shorty Rogers Courts the Count
  • The Swingin' Nutcracker
  • Jazz Waltz
With Pete Rugolo
  • Introducing Pete Rugolo
  • Adventures in Rhythm
  • Rugolomania
  • Rugolo Plays Kenton
  • ''10 Trombones Like 2 Pianos''

    Awards

  • 1977 - Grammy Award winner - Best Instrumental Arrangement - "Nadia's Theme ", with Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkins Jr.