"Jump, Shout & Wail" - November 4th, 2000

With a contagious smile and captivating charm, trumpet virtuoso Byron Stripling has ignited audiences internationally. Selected by conductor John Williams of the Boston Pops Orchestra as featured soloist on the PBS television special, "Evening at Pops," Stripling enjoys a global reputation. From Broadway and Basin Street to the Ginza and London's West End, his burnished sound has electrified millions.

An accomplished actor and singer, Stripling was chosen - following a world wide search - to star in the lead role of the Broadway-bound musical, "Satchmo." Many will remember his featured cameo performance in the television movie, "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles," and his critically acclaimed virtuoso trumpet and riotous comedic performance in the 42nd Street production of "From Second Avenue to Broadway."

Television viewers have enjoyed his work as featured soloist on the worldwide telecast of The Grammy Awards. Millions have heard his trumpet and voice on television commercials, TV theme songs including "20/20," CNN and soundtracks of favorite movies.

Since his Carnegie Hall debut with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops, Stripling has become a pops orchestra favorite throughout the country, soloing with the Boston Pops, Virginia Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Boca Raton Pops, Knoxville Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony, Illinois Philharmonic and American Jazz Philharmonic, to name a few.

Stripling earned his stripes as lead trumpeter and soloist with the Count Basie Orchestra under the direction of Thad Jones and Frank Foster. He also played and recorded extensively with the bands of Dizzy Gillespie, Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Clark Terry and Buck Clayton, in addition to The Lincoln Center Classical Jazz Orchestra , The Carnegie Hall Jazz Band and The GRP All-Star Big Band.

Stripling enjoys conducting seminars and Master classes at colleges, universities, conservatories and high schools. His motivational talks, combined with his incomparable wit and charm, make him a favorite guest speaker to groups of all ages.

Stripling was educated at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York and the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. One of his greatest joys is to return, periodically, to Eastman and Interlochen as a special guest lecturer.

A resident of New York, Stripling lives in the country with his daughter and wife, Alexis.