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.
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Famous trumpeters of the world. Recommended trumpet players active internationally (41–50)
ZigeunerweisenTimofei Dokshizer
Born in Ukraine.
After winning the Prague International Music Competition in 1947, he pursued a career as a soloist.
He is famous for having served as principal trumpet of the Bolshoi Theatre for more than 40 years.
He also performed on trumpet works originally written for violin, such as Zigeunerweisen, as well as piano concertos, and left numerous recordings.
Blues For WoodyWoody Shaw
He was from the United States.
Recognized for his talent early on, he became known in the 1960s and ’70s as a highly skilled trumpeter.
While rooted in traditional styles, he infused his performances with a distinctive personal touch, producing a succession of celebrated works.
At 44, he fell onto a subway platform, severed his left hand, and passed away.
St. Louis BluesNanri Fumio
Active since the early Showa era, he can be considered a leading figure in Japanese jazz.
Louis Armstrong gave him the nickname “Japan’s Satchmo” and acknowledged his talent.
In 1934, he formed Fumio Nanri and the Hot Peppers.
He later worked alongside performers such as Hajime Hana and Toshiyuki Ichimura.
After his death, the Fumio Nanri Award, a jazz prize, was established.
My Funny ValentineChet Baker
A quintessential West Coast jazz trumpeter.
Discovered by the god of bebop, Charlie Parker.
With his handsome features and sweet singing voice, he was at one time even more popular than Miles Davis.
He was also famed as a vocalist, and My Funny Valentine from his 1954 release Chet Baker Sings is one of his signature numbers—though it’s a vocal track, it’s one I’d like to highlight.
April in ParisThad Jones
An American jazz trumpeter.
Starting in 1953, he played with the Count Basie Orchestra, where he rose to prominence as the No.
1 trumpeter.
He became well known for his work on Count Basie’s “April in Paris.” Later, he formed the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra, a big band active from the late 1960s through the 1970s, and produced many albums.
RunawayKuwano Nobuyoshi
He is also known as a comedy entertainer under the nickname “Kuwa-man.” He formed the group Chanels with Masayuki Suzuki and others, debuting as the trumpet player with the song “Runaway,” which became a massive hit, selling 1.1 million copies.
The group later changed its name to Rats & Star and produced hits such as “Megumi no Hito.”
Mahler, Symphony No. 5Adolph Herseth
An American trumpet player.
He served as principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra—one of the world’s three great orchestras—for over 50 years.
He is a legendary trumpeter known for flawless performances without mistakes in concert.