: Shaw notably broke racial barriers by hiring Billie Holiday as a full-time vocalist in 1938, making his the first white band to do so. The "King of the Clarinet" vs. The Celebrity
Shaw’s technical mastery of the clarinet is widely considered peerless, characterized by a smooth, "stratospheric" tone and impeccable precision. artie shaw
Reviewing Shaw also requires acknowledging his complex, often prickly personality. : Shaw notably broke racial barriers by hiring
: His smaller ensemble work remains a highlight of his discography, particularly the million-selling "Summit Ridge Drive," which showcased his willingness to experiment with unconventional instrumentation. characterized by a smooth
