Conrad Gozzo

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Conrad J. Gozzo (1922-1964) was an American trumpet player. Gozzo was a member of the NBC Hollywood staff orchestra at the time of his death in October, 1964. His untimely death was due to the abuse of alcohol.

Gozzo, lead trumpeter on the Glen Gray and Harry James "remakes", recorded extensively with arrangers such as Van Alexander, Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Ray Conniff, Jerry Fielding and Shorty Rogers, as well as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. Gozzo always played lead trumpet on all of the recordings of his close friend, Henry Mancini. He was heard on many major live television shows aired on the NBC network, originating from Hollywood, including the Dinah Shore Show, between 1955 and 1964. Gozzo also played on several movie soundtracks, such as The Glenn Miller Story, The Benny Goodman Story, Bye Bye Birdie, Call Me Madom, Ben-Hur and Cleopatra.

"The Goz," as he is often called was known for having the largest, most sonorous sound to ever ring through a trumpet's bell. He shaped the concept of "the lead trumpet sound" in the swing era, characterized as a broad and beautiful tone that leads the big band and blankets it with a powerful sound. Gozzo's lead trumpet concept remained the standard to which all others were compared throughout swing era until lead trumpeters like Lin Biviano revamped the style to a more exciting, in-your-face sound.

Conrad Gozzo's classic recording of "Trumpeter's Prayer," composed by Tutti Camarata for Gozzo remains a must-have for every aspiring trumpeter.

Appropriate rumors (to which their truth is questionable, but interesting nonetheless) include:

• When Glenn Miller needed a lead trumpet player, his friends pledged for him to hire Conrad Gozzo. Upon hearing Gozzo, Glenn remarked that he had never heard a trumpet sound like that.
• Frank Sinatra would work his schedule around Gozzo's to ensure that The Goz was his lead trumpet player at every possible show.
• Famed trumpeter Bobby Shew sat in a section with Conrad Gozzo and thought there was something wrong with his trumpet.
• Upon recording his signature song, "Trumpeter's Prayer," in one take, Gozzo received a standing ovation from the studio members.