The clarinettist
Woody Herman , the last of the great band leaders, died in October. John Fordham introduces the first of five programmes on Herman's long and illustrious career, beginning with his days in vaudeville as a child star.
He joined the Isham Jones Band in 1934 and two years later took over as leader. In 1939 the band recorded At the Woodchoppers' Ball, of which over a million copies were sold.
Series producer DEREK DRESCHER