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]
- 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.
- [2026] Introducing recommended jazz medley videos!
- 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 internationally (41–50)
Sing SowetoTerence Blanchard
An American jazz trumpeter.
In addition to being a performer, he has contributed to many of Spike Lee’s film scores.
For the 1991 film Jungle Fever, he served as music director alongside Stevie Wonder.
He also appeared in the 1992 film Malcolm X, playing the role of a trumpet player.
His album Sing Soweto was released in 1991 and reached No.
5 on the Billboard chart.
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.
When I Fall In LoveChris Botti
An American trumpet player.
His good looks have also made him popular, and in 2004 he was selected by People magazine as one of the “50 Most Beautiful People in the World.” He has an outstanding record as a performer as well: his 2004 album When I Fall in Love set a sales record for an American jazz musician and also won a Grammy Award, among other honors.
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.”