Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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CASTLE, Lee

(b Lee Castaldo, 28 Feb. '15, NYC; d 16 Nov. '91, Hollywood FL) Trumpet, leader. Pro debut at 18; good Swing Era sideman with Artie Shaw, Red Norvo, Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, all '37--9. While with Teagarden in Chicago, June '39, played on small-group freelance date prod. by John Hammond with organist Glenn Hardman, Lester Young, Jo Jones, Freddie Green (tracks incl. 'Upright Organ Blues'); according to Jones, Castle had been out all night and 'was pretty mussed up. Played OK, though.' Then played with Will Bradley, Shaw again, Benny Goodman (appeared in films, e.g. Stage Door Canteen '43). Changed name to lead own bands early '40s; with Shaw '50, Dorsey brothers from '53. Led Jimmy Dorsey's band during leader's final illness, incl. smash hit 'So Rare' '57; continued leading (and partly owned) Dorsey Bros band through '70s. Also published transcriptions of Louis Armstrong solos.