George Biography Roberts Biography
Known as "Mr. Bass Trombone" the world over, George started with the Ray Robbins Band after service in the US Navy, and then went with Gene Krupa, where he was in the same section with Urbie Green. It was Urbies' lyric tenor trombone that inspired George to be an "Urbie" one octave lower.
In 1950 George went with Stan Kenton Band until 1953, when he stayed in LA rather than go with Stan on a European tour. He soon met Nelson Riddle to began his recording career with Riddle, Don Costa, Billy May, Axel Stordahl, Gordon Jenkins, among others, in sessions with Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Judy Garland, Sarah Vaughn, Nat Cole. It was this experience with vocalists that Roberts further developed his singing style.
In the book by Will Friedwald Sinatra! The Song is You, Friedwald discusses George Robert's role in Nelson Riddle's arranging style and Robert's role in his arrangements for Sinatra. He also lists other trombonists that worked with Sinatra and what solos they played. (Thanks to David Bratcher for this reference). Read more about George in the ITA Journal, Winter 1988, in an article by Elecia Hill, "George Roberts: Tribute to a Legend."
As a Hollywood studio musician, Roberts recorded thousands of film scores with all the major studios (Jaws, King Kong, Closer Encounters of the Third Kind, etc.) and served on the staff orchestras of the major radio and television networks (Carol Burnett Show, Dinah Shore Show, Academy Awards, etc.).
From: International Trombone Association Honorary Life Members