born Feb. 19, 1912, Wichita, Kan., U.S.
died Aug. 25, 1979, Los Angeles, Calif.
U.S. pianist, composer, arranger, and leader of one of the most popular and controversial big bands in jazz .
Kenton formed his first band in 1941. The group exhibited the influence of Jimmy Lunceford 's precise brass and gained a reputation for a bombastic orchestral approach. His players included saxophonist Art Pepper (1925–82), trumpeter Maynard Ferguson , drummer Shelly Manne (1920–84), and singers Anita O'Day (b. 1919) and June Christy (1925–90). His efforts to organize the training of student musicians represent some of the earliest instances of formal jazz education.