Karl Kiffe


Karl Kiffe was an American jazz drummer featured in specialty numbers in a number of Hollywood feature films during World War II and later as a featured member of Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra.

Career

Born in Los Angeles, Kiffe first attracted attention as winner of the annual Gene Krupa Contest in 1943. Succeeding Chuck Falkner as leader of the Hollywood Canteen Kids, Kiffe was featured in novelty numbers in several feature films before working as a single in Ken Murray's Blackouts. In July 1945 he was hired by Jimmy Dorsey, with whom he worked for about a year, and then again from July 1950 through February '53. Over the next decade, Kiffe worked with, among others, Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Charlie Shavers, Red Norvo and Woody Herman, as well as singers Andy Williams, June Christy, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Speaking in 1946, when asked which drummer he most admired, Kiffe cited the solos of Buddy Rich, while praising the big band work of Don Lamond and Jo Jones.

Personal life

In 1958, Kiffe married Carol Jean Beall in Las Vegas. They had two children.
He was also a great friends of the musician and saxophonist Warne Marsh.
Autobiography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Cx1QjSAnwCIm3G4eWqoOzI_LQmDoFeXivfXkORfsBaY/edit?usp=sharing

Filmography

Film

  • Johnny Doughboy
  • Song of the Open Road
  • Youth Aflame
  • ''Jimmy Dorsey's Varieties''

    Television

  • Stars of Jazz
  • ''The Ed Sullivan Show''

    Discography

As sideman

With Jimmy Dorsey
  • At the 400 Restaurant 1946
  • Casino Gardens Ballroom 1946
  • More
  • One Night Stand with Jimmy Dorsey at the Statler
  • The Swingin' Dorseys
With others
Category:1927 births
Category:2004 deaths
Category:American jazz drummers
Category:West Coast jazz drummers
Category:20th-century American drummers
Category:American male drummers
Category:20th-century American male musicians
Category:American male jazz musicians
Category:Drummers from Los Angeles