Joe Venuti was the first widely known jazz violinist, enjoying a lucrative career during the early heyday of the radio, film, recording and television industries. He was a member of the Paul Whiteman Band, and worked with most of the wildly popular musicians of the era. His early records with childhood friend, guitarist Eddie Lang, are possibly his most influential work. Discographies, bios, sound clips and narratives about Venuti are available on many websites:
Red Hot Jazz has sound clips covering the full range of Venuti's career.
All Music Guide has bios, analysis, critiques and sound clips. Type "Joe Venuti" in the search box.
Mosaic Records has a moving tribute to Venuti and guitarist Eddie Lang.
allaboutjazz.com reviews Joe & Zoot & More, a Chiaroscuro Records release, 2002.
On the Jazzbows website, see the listing for Paul Whiteman for links to film clips.
Joe Venuti first recorded in 1924, one year after Eddie South.
Red Hot Jazz has sound clips of Joe Venuti solos with Jean Goldkette and his Orchestra (Victor, 1924):
Stéphane Grappelli enjoyed a career which spanned seven decades, making him the jazz violinist most visible to the public. With legendary jazz guitar innovator Django Reinhardt he founded the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. Although Reinhardt was the adventurist of the two, it was Grappelli whose mercurial violin solo work was out front. Always evident over the years were his compelling lyricism, and the grace and charm of his swinging style.
All Music Guide offers sound clips of the Quintet of the Hot Club of France:
