1921
Gene Roland, American pianist and composer (died 1982)
Gene Roland, American pianist and composer (died 1982)
Gene Roland, American pianist and composer (died 1982)
Gene Roland
American jazz composer (1921–1982)
- Born
- 1921
Gene Roland was an American jazz musician, composer, and arranger who contributed richly to American jazz, especially through his work with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. Born in Dallas, Texas, he played multiple instruments, including the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone, and collaborated with musicians including Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie. Roland was pivotal in defining the unique 'Four Brothers' sound that influenced big band jazz. Throughout his career, he contributed groundbreaking arrangements and compositions for many major bands, performing globally and working with Denmark's Radiohus Orchestra.