Big bands continued to be popular throughout the 1940s, but the 1950s marked a decline in the raging popularity and sheer number of big bands. The big bands that continued seemed to change with the times, reflecting the influences of bebop, 20th-century art music, cool jazz, and pop and rock styles.
Important big band musicians of this period are Stan Kenton, Thad Jones, Buddy Rich, and Maynard Ferguson. Other well-known bandleaders and musicians of the postwar big band era include: bandleaders Rob McConnell, Maria Schneider, and Toshiko Akiyoshi, baritone saxophonist Gerry Mulligan, tenor saxophonist Bill Holman, and trumpeter Doc Severinsen.
Did you know?
Trumpeter Doc Severinsen performed and led the Tonight Show Band for over 20 years. Drummer Buddy Rich appeared on the show frequently as well.