Woodchopper's Ball - Fox Trot -Bishop-Herman and his Orchestra.

Columbia label record # 37238 (CCO 4690) Date Feb. 1947

The Woody Herman Band, led by clarinetist and saxophonist Woody Herman from 1936 to 1987, was one of the most enduring and innovative big bands in jazz history. Unlike many of his contemporaries who maintained a static sound, Herman constantly updated his orchestra's style to reflect evolving trends, from swing and blues to bebop, cool jazz, and even rock-fusion. 

The "Herds" Through the Decades

Herman famously organized his band into several distinct eras, often referred to as "Herds": 

The Band That Plays the Blues (1936–1943): Formed as a cooperative unit from the remains of the Isham Jones orchestra, this group scored its first major hit with "Woodchopper's Ball" (1939), which eventually sold over five million copies.

The First Herd (1944–1946): Known for a high-energy, progressive sound influenced by bebop. This era produced classics like "Caldonia" and saw the band win top polls in DownBeat and Metronome magazines. Composer Igor Stravinsky was so impressed that he wrote the Ebony Concerto specifically for them.

The Second Herd / "Four Brothers" Band (1947–1949): Named after Jimmy Giuffre's composition "Four Brothers," this band featured a revolutionary saxophone section consisting of three tenors and one baritone (including Stan Getz and Zoot Sims), defining a new "cool" jazz sound.

The Third Herd (1950–1956): Focused on more danceable, straight-ahead jazz and successfully toured Europe.

The Young Thundering Herds (1970s–1987): In his later years, Herman earned the nickname "Road Father" for his commitment to hiring and mentoring young musicians straight out of music schools like Berklee College of Music. These bands incorporated modern elements, including rock rhythms and electronic instruments. 

Legacy and Continued Activity

Throughout its history, the band was a launching pad for jazz legends such as Stan Getz, Zoot Sims, Al Cohn, Neal Hefti, and Bill Chase. The Woody Herman Orchestra won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Jazz Performance for Giant Steps (1973) and Thundering Herd (1974). 

Following Herman's death in 1987, leadership was passed to longtime reed player Frank Tiberi. The Woody Herman Orchestra continues to perform today, maintaining the "Road Father's" repertoire and high-energy swinging style.