orig. Arthur Jacob Arshawsky
born May 23, 1910, New York, N.Y., U.S.
died Dec. 30, 2004, Newbury Park, Calif.
U.S. clarinetist and leader of one of the most popular big bands of the swing era.
Shaw was a technically brilliant clarinetist and worked freelance before leading his own groups. In 1935 he performed with a string quartet, later expanding the group into a more conventional dance band. He led a U.S. Navy band during World War II and afterward led various ensembles until his retirement in 1954. His best-known recordings are "Begin the Beguine" and "Frenesi."