World-renowned trumpeters. Recommended trumpet players who are active on the global stage.
Who comes to mind when you think of trumpet players?
In jazz, you might think of Louis Armstrong or Miles Davis; in the classical world, perhaps Matthias Höfs or Sergei Nakariakov.
We also can’t leave out Wynton Marsalis, often acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest trumpeters in both jazz and classical music.
In this article, we’ll introduce famous trumpeters who are active on the world stage.
We’ll feature artists across jazz and classical, regardless of gender or nationality, and we hope you’ll find a new favorite player as you read.
- Trumpet Masterpieces | Unforgettable Once You Hear Them! A Curated Selection of Striking Pieces
- Songs with cool trumpet. Introducing famous pieces from wind ensemble and jazz.
- Famous Clarinetists of the World — From Classical to Jazz
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- [2026] Introducing recommended jazz medley videos!
- Practice pieces for beginner trumpet players
- Classic swing jazz tunes. Recommended popular songs.
- Today's Classics: Recommended classical music and great performances to listen to today
- [2026] Summary of popular saxophonists abroad. Recommended saxophonists.
- Famous pianists you should listen to at least once. Recommended pianists.
- [2026] Discover Today's Jazz! A Roundup of the Latest Spotlight and Popular Tracks
- Farewell Song: A goodbye song. A tearful parting song.
- Impressionist Music: A Comprehensive Introduction to Masterpieces of the Impressionist Movement That Enliven Classical Music History
Famous trumpeters of the world. Recommended trumpet players active globally (1–10)
Cinema ParadisoFabrizio Bosso
Fabrizio Bosso is a world-renowned Italian jazz trumpeter.
He began playing the trumpet at the age of five and made his first recording at seventeen, showing remarkable precocity.
In 1999, he released his debut album as a leader, Fast Flight, and won the Newcomer Award from the Italian jazz magazine Musica Jazz.
In 2007, he released the acclaimed album You’ve Changed, breaking new ground with covers of film themes.
Excelling in hard bop and post-bop, he has also collaborated with Dianne Reeves.
With his diverse musicality and technical prowess, Bosso’s performances are well worth hearing, even for those who aren’t dedicated jazz fans.
Feels So GoodChuck Mangione
Chuck Mangione, a jazz master who switched from trumpet to flugelhorn and forged a unique sound, debuted in the 1960s and gained popularity with melodious music infused with Latin elements.
His signature tune Feel So Good reached No.
5 on the U.S.
charts.
He won Grammy Awards in 1976 and 1978, proving his prowess, and in 1980 he also composed the theme for the Winter Olympics.
With its sweet tone and catchy melodies, his music appeals not only to jazz fans but also to lovers of fusion and pop.
If you’re looking for soothing, feel-good music, be sure to give him a listen.
Star Trek themeMaynard Ferguson
Canadian jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson is renowned for his astounding upper-register playing.
In 1949, at the age of 21, he moved to the United States and rose to prominence with the Stan Kenton Orchestra.
He achieved worldwide acclaim, including serving as a soloist at the closing ceremony of the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
A theme song from a popular film included on his 1977 album Conquistador became a major hit, reaching the Top 30 on the U.S.
charts.
He is also well known in Japan for the tune used as the theme of the TV show Trans-American Ultra Quiz.
In 2005, he was appointed to the Order of Canada in recognition of his achievements.
He is recommended not only for jazz fans, but also for those interested in film music and fusion.
World-famous trumpeters: Recommended trumpet players active on the global stage (11–20)
Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E-flat majorTsujiMoto Kenichi
Kenichi Tsujimoto is a trumpet player who shines in the world of classical music.
He entered Tokyo University of the Arts in 1994 and demonstrated his talent early on, winning second prize at the Japan Music Competition.
In 2004, he became principal trumpet of the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, and after being appointed principal trumpet of the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra in 2016, he continues to perform actively with the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra.
In 2022, he released a solo album, “Trumpet Works.” He displays his gifts across a wide range of genres, from classical to video game music, and is also dedicated to nurturing the next generation as an educator.
With superb technique and rich musicality, Tsujimoto’s performances are recommended not only for classical music fans but also for anyone who wants to enjoy a diverse array of music.
So WhatMiles Davis
One of the most famous American jazz trumpeters in Japan.
Fans call him the “King of Jazz” and the “King of Modern Jazz.” Over the years he led the jazz world by showcasing a wide range of styles, including cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz, electric jazz, crossover, and hip-hop jazz.
“So What” is included on Kind of Blue, one of his landmark albums.
After his death, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006.
Mozart: Trumpet Concerto in D majorHåkan Hardenberger
Swedish trumpet player Håkan Hardenberger shines brightly in the world of classical music.
He began playing the trumpet at the age of eight and studied at the Paris Conservatoire, quickly establishing a reputation as a virtuoso.
His repertoire spans from Baroque to contemporary music, and he has performed with leading conductors and orchestras worldwide.
In 2003, he received the Litteris et Artibus medal in recognition of his achievements.
His passion for exploring new musical horizons is evident in his collaborations with many contemporary composers.
He is also dedicated to nurturing young musicians and teaches at the Malmö Academy of Music.
He is highly recommended for anyone interested in classical music.
Hummel: Trumpet ConcertoMaurice André
A renowned French trumpet player born in 1933.
Although he was born into a coal miner’s family, his talent was recognized by his amateur musician father and those around him, leading him to enter the Paris Conservatory, from which he graduated at the top of his class.
He was a trumpeter of great ability, capable of performing all 14 studies featured in Jean-Baptiste Arban’s authoritative brass method without a single mistake.
The year after graduating from the Conservatory, he won first prize at the Paris International Music Competition.
After securing victories in many other competitions, he performed with several orchestras and then broadened his activities as a soloist and as principal player with prominent ensembles.
He is also famous for collaborating with the American instrument maker Selmer to develop and popularize the piccolo trumpet.