Saul "Sonny" Berman (born April 21, 1925 in New Haven, Connecticut; died January 16, 1947 in New York City) was an American bebop jazz trumpeter. He began touring at age sixteen and went on to work with Louis Prima, Harry James and Benny Goodman but is perhaps best known for his later work with Woody Herman. Berman was distinguished by his passionate and innovative soloing and his versatility of tone -- ranging from bold and emotional to sweetly muted. He was also known for his sense of humor which often made its way into a playfulness and joyfulness found in his solo work. Sonny Berman's death at the age of 22 was from heroin related causes. He was developing a major reputation as a breakthrough artist at the time of his death. His influence on musicians and following continues to present day.
Discography
- Sidewalk of Cuba (with Woody Herman), 1946
- Curbstone Shuffle, 1947
- Dizzy Gillespie*Sonny Berman*Fats Navarro - Modern Jazz Trumpets
- Sonny Berman Woodchopper's Holiday,1946
