Arranger, composer and multi-instrumentalist Spud Murphy wrote 600 charts for the top Swing orchestras of the 1930s, creating colorful and dynamic arrangements that shaped the sound of Swing. Contributing mightily to the sound of the era, he conceived tuneful, multi-layered charts for Benny Goodman, Casa Loma, Bunny Berigan, Fletcher Henderson and Bob Crosby.
In the 1940’s and ‘50s he wrote for the movies, reinvented instruction for composing and arranging and conducted innovative Third Stream recording sessions. The terms ‘unappreciated genius’ and ‘unsung hero’ do not overstate the significance of his impact on American Popular music, largely forgotten today.
In a 2003 interview Spud Murphy (Lyle Stephanovic,1908 –2005) spoke with characteristic wit, modesty and genuine pride for what he had achieved, vividly recalling famous bandleaders and former associates. This article is based on the Gabriel Broadcast Award-winning radio program, “Digging Spud Murphy.”
Introduction, Get Happy
Illustrious Friends and Employers:
I was the only guy that ever worked with the two best bands in the world at that time. Because Casa Loma was the best and Goodman was o
