Biography
Herbie Haymer served as a reliable sideman across multiple prominent big bands throughout his career. He first took up the alto saxophone at age 15 and moved to tenor five years afterward. Early engagements included time with the Carl Sears-Johnny Watson Band, followed by brief appearances alongside Rudy Vallee and Charlie Barnet. He became a key contributor in Red Norvo’s orchestra from 1935 to 1937, then joined Jimmy Dorsey’s group for the next four years. Subsequent stints took him through Woody Herman’s band in 1941–42 and Kay Kyser’s jazz-focused ensemble during 1942–43. Short associations with Benny Goodman and the Dave Hudkins outfit in Los Angeles preceded his Navy service in 1944. Upon returning to civilian life he concentrated chiefly on studio work, though he still accepted occasional jazz jobs that included reunions with Red Nichols and Benny Goodman. In 1949, at age 33, Haymer died in an automobile crash while returning from a Frank Sinatra recording date. Earlier he had directed a 1945 all-star quintet session featuring Charlie Shavers and Nat King Cole, later issued complete by Black Lino, and he also cut three titles for Keynote in 1946.