American jazz trumpeter and bandleader born Carl Hilding Severinsen on July 7, 1927, in Arlington, Oregon. Best known as the long-running bandleader of The Tonight Show Band during Johnny Carson's tenure on the NBC program (1967-1992).
Released dozens of albums between the 1960s and 2010s. Known for his flamboyant on-air wardrobe and the friendly bantering relationship with Carson. Won the 1986 Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Big Band. Continues to perform with various ensembles at venues including the Royal Conservatory of Music in Mexico.
