Best Trumpet Players of All Time

very good trumpet player probably the best

Adolf "Bud" Herseth, the legendary principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, had this to say about Maurice Andre: "Well, let's face it, Andre is - - he's it in terms of solo playing. The guy sounds fabulous, that's all -- that's all I can say! I have nothing but the greatest admiration for the man's playing - - - fabulous!"

He was the greatest trumpet player of all. He had the most beautiful sound the best technique and a perfect rhythm. He was the trumpet and no one could and can match him. A friendly and professional musician who lived for music. Perhaps the greatest musician ever.

Maurice André had a natural tone outside the instrument, clear simple and bright. A brilliant technician. His Michael Haydn concert, movement I is just fantastic. Watching him play was a pleasure - it looked so simple, never used force.

Maurice Andre was the greatest classical trumpet player who ever lived and one of the greatest musicians in history. Every professional classical trumpet player in the world today has been influenced and impacted by his incredible accomplishments. His playing was in a class by itself! He left behind a tremendous legacy of recordings that all trumpet players can learn from.

To the dude that commented ( Sloppy Tone ) didn't you hear that drugs are bad for you :)

To truly appreciate the greatness and genius of Maurice Andre, you need to listen to his recordings. His recordings of original trumpet concerti from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, and arrangements of numerous baroque and classical concerti written originally for flute, oboe, and violin were definitive. He set the standard for Bach trumpet playing in recordings of the great Bach choral works by Munchinger and Richter. Many of Maurice Andre's recordings have recently been reissued. The great Erato recordings are in a four volume series titled the "Maurice Andre Edition". Many of the great EMI recordings are in the "Eternel Maurice Andre" collection. Decca -London has issued the "Maurice Andre 101" collection. Every trumpet player, from a beginner to the principal trumpet of a world class symphony orchestra, can learn something about the art of trumpet playing by listening to the recordings of the Maestro!

A simple man with a huge talent.

He was an absolutely wonderful trumpet player. He set the Golden Standard for classical trumpet playing. He gave each note he played purpose and beauty.

al hirt should b #1

Simply the best!

Andre was the absolute master of the trumpet. No other trumpeter has ever combined effortless technique, tonal beauty, and supreme musicianship like he did. On his hundreds of recordings, and in thousands of performances throughout the world he literally sang through his trumpet and created music of indescribable beauty. He was a trumpeter's trumpet player and is universally acknowledged by the world's professional trumpet players as the greatest trumpet player of all time.

In my opinion the best one

Maurice Andre was the greatest classical trumpet player who ever lived, and one of the greatest classical musicians in history. His incredible and effortless technique, beautiful and unmistakable sound, and suberb musicianship created a new and unique style of trumpet playing that has inspired generations of trumpet players throughout the world. Andre greatly expanded the baroque, classical, and modern repertoire of music available for the trumpet, and is single-handedly responsible for making the trumpet a respected solo instrument in the concert halls of the world. His exquisite playing set a standard for all time, for all trumpet players, and for all musicians to aspire to.

Maurice Andre is a legend! In his prime, he set a standard of excellence for trumpet playing that will stand for all time. If you are not familiar with his playing, he made over 300 recordings. Check out which recordings are still available on Amazon.com. All trumpet players should listen and learn from the greatest trumpeter of all time!!

I just moved Maurice Andre from #6 to #5. He definitely deserves to be in the top 5, whereas Armstrong and Fresu don't even come close.

He makes playing the trumpet sound easy and effortless. Listen to his recordings while reading the music - you will be even more astounded at his flawless execution. He is a master, perhaps THE master.

NO. 7??? #7?? Sigh... All styles considered, he still is the top. Here, he barely made it over Herb Alpert. ...... And now I have to do math? (You'll see.)

The ranking of Maurice Andre at #7 is ridiculous! If all of the professional classical trumpet players in the world voted, Andre, the greatest trumpeter who ever lived, would be number 1 by a wide margin!

absurd to have him this low on the list. Who rated this?

Flawless tone

very gifted. Truely amazing sound.

loves his wine

he is one of the greatest of all times. best classical player known to man!!!! lol

In a class by himself.

The best trumpet player in the world today!

He is an incredible trumpet player and musician. The greatest trumpet virtuoso since Maurice Andre!

Bud's sound, his agility, were jaw-droppingly great. No recording could do him justice. He carried the Chicago Symphony to greatness as much as any conductor. When he played the Hummel Trumpet Concerto at the Mostly Mozart Festival in NYC in the '70s, an audience most of which had never heard of him wouldn't let him off the stage. So, he encored the last movement.

People must not be listening to CSO's recordings. Bud started laying everything down with a better sound and with the utmost of musicianship in the late 40's IN THE 40's!! And he played into a new century and when you listen to him play it makes you proud to be a trumpet player. Soft, loud, sensitive, blasting, piccolo, b-flat. He is all over it. He is the model of modern trumpet players. He was the first and the best. He can even play out of tune better than anyone.

The comment under me was given by mr. 'nobody's as good as bobby shew'.

Great player. Have to disagree with the comment below about him being responsible for the "big" sound in orchestral players. The LA studios had ex-philharmonic guys in them in the 40s-70s, These guys were monsters, and had big sound when they played with the LA Phil or other orchestras. Not to take anything away from Mr, Herseth, who was one of the best ever. (Said to say I never saw him live.)

RIP Mr. Herseth. You were a great man, and a great player. One of my heroes.

Herseth is solely responisble for how symphonic trumpet players sound today. It was after a car accident years ago that he started using a large mouthpiece and got that big sound that orchestral players have to this day.

All was well until that Chris Martin dude showed up.

Phenominal technician but his jazz Improvisational style is often beyond the grasp of many listeners...When he does his take-offs on jazz "standards" you usually can't recognize the songs because he's so far "out there" that he looses the Melody... This intentional my man, it's called creativity, and it takes a level of sophisticated musicianship to understand where he is taking you and how to get back on your own

To the dude that commented ( Sloppy Tone ) didn't you hear that drugs are bad for you :)

It's senseless to have a discussion with someone that uses the word horrible when describing a what? 10 time Grammy award winner, and might I add Classical and Jazz. Until I hear someone remotely close to what Wynton spits out of that horn, sleep well fellas, the brother is in a class of his own

What?!? Wynton is classically trained and knowledgeable but he has no soul or feeling. He's like a trained parrot or robot. Miles and his peers wouldn't play with him for that exact reason. He never played an original note in his life. If you call him innovative, I'll assume you've either never heard him play or never heard anyone else play, one of the two. Lee Morgan and Thad Jones, both deserving of the top 10-ish are giants compared to Wynton's Johnny come lately imitator approach to emotion he never himself experience.

Gosh. Wynton is so incredibly good. I think that he just might be the single greatest musician of all time.

awesome

Ross Tompkins played a recording of Wynton rehearsing for the Tonight Show...way back when.....it was horrible! Otherwise, time's been on his side!

love him

Oh, and he also basically saved jazz single-handedly from going into a rock direction. Just sayin'.

The guy under me doesn't know what he's talking about. Bobby Shew doesn't play in recording studios, either. Or Clifford, or Mitchell. His music is 'out there' because he needs a challenge, and all the greats know it, too. Honestly- Wynton's the greatest player ever. If you think otherwise, listen to his Caravan recording on 'Standard time, vol. 1'. If you don't think he can't play high, listen to The Magic Hour. If you know how to listen to solos then you'd understand the genius of what he's doing.

Wynton is the greatest Ever! There is nothing you can do about it!

It's Maurice Andre. But I would agree with you if you were talking about classical trumpet players. However, Wynton Marsalis is both

He must be in the top three: 1.Moris André. 2.Wynton Marsalis. 3.Sergei Nakariakov.

Very underrated at #5. How many players on this list are the best in two separate styles of music? Most only specialize on one field. Not to mention he is the greatest ambassador for the dying art of Dixieland jazz.

Underranked at #5

He is the best ever because of his mastery of both the classical AND jazz genres. He should top the list. He is in a league of his own! Enough said already!

He should be in the top ten on this list...

He belongs in the top ten on this list...

Ya, #1 should be a three-way, Wynton, Allen Vizzutti and Maynard...

Phenominal technician but his jazz Improvisational style is often beyond the grasp of many listeners...When he does his take-offs on jazz "standards" you usually can't recognize the songs because he's so far "out there" that he looses the Melody...

he has the best sound of any trumpet player

If you have gone to the movies in the last 40 years and noticed the fantastic trumpet playing on the soundtracks, you have heard the legendary trumpet virtuoso, Malcolm McNab. He has been the principal trumpet of choice in the studio symphony orchestras selected by all of the great Hollywood composers such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Danny Elfman, James Horner, Elmer Bernstein, Hans Zimmer, etc. This wonderful musician has mastered all of the musical styles required in the movies, and he is also one of the greatest classical trumpeters of all time.

Malcolm McNab's recording of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto is the greatest display of classical trumpet artistry ever recorded. McNab's unbelievable technical skills, beautiful tone, and wonderful lyrical musicianship combine to create a stunning interpretation of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece. McNab has taken the classical trumpet recording legacies of Maurice Andre, Wynton Marsalis, Hakan Hardenberger, and others to a new level. His playing is an inspiration to all trumpet players, and shows what level of artistry the trumpet is capable of. If you haven't yet heard the recording, excerpts have been posted on YouTube.

In an interview, Malcolm McNab stated that as a young trumpet player he idolized Maurice Andre, and studied all of his recordings. Well, McNab developed into one of the greatest, if not the greatest, trumpet players in the world. The extraordinary trumpet artistry demonstrated in McNab's recording of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto was clearly inspired by Andre. The great French Master would be proud of McNab's accomplishments!

Malcolm McNab, while not well known to the general public, is a legend in Hollywood and among professional trumpet players throughout the world. He could easily play as the principal trumpet in any of the world's great symphony orchestras. His incredible classical trumpet playing skills rank him with the all time greats at the top of this list.

Malcolm McNab, the greatest Hollywood studio trumpet player of all time, was actually classically trained by the legendary William Vacchiano of the New York Philharmonic. In McNab's recording of the transcription of the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto, he demonstrates an absolutely astounding classical trumpet technique. This man is one of the greatest trumpet masters of all time. He is in the same echelon as Maurice Andre and Wynton Marsalis for classical trumpet playing. It is too bad that he has not made more classical trumpet recordings!

The studio trumpet king. He doesn't get to practice his music and must get "right" in very few takes. If you have see great movies you have heard Malcolm! He must please the composer!

Takes playing to a different level. NOT Maynard.

Anyone who can interpret violin music on a trumpet has my admiration.

The Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell was considered to be the best orchestra in the world. . The brass section of this orchestra led by Bernard Adelstein, principal trumpet, and Myron Bloom, Principal Horn was incredible and set a standard of orchestral performance for the ages! Bernard Adelstein was truly the greatest orchestral trumpet player ever- even better than Bud Herseth!

Louis Armstrong was the greatest jazz musician of all time; he invented the jazz trumpet, it all comes from him; just listen to West End Blues, that says it all.

He looks like he is a nice sweet man with an amazing talent on playing a trumpet

One of the best a bit overrated though

Pop's is still the best....

One of the people I would like to have known. RIP POPS.

He's alright

louis armstrong was pretty good

Louis and I share the same name but he is a way better trumpet player than I am. he made jazz what it is today

Louis was a living legend..he was such a great influence in the world of music. He was a great communicator of the art. People around the world know his voice and music.We will be dust someday,but the world will still remember the name Louis Armstrong.

Louis is fantastic, but anyway is the best, sorry... His tecnic of trumpet is anthing versus other trumpet players how: Moris André, the father of the trumpetists players (search him playing the Carnival of Vencice), Wynton Marsalis, Hakan Handerberger, Sergei Nakariakov ,Tine Thing Helseth and more...

Number 8?? Louis Armstrong is one of my major influences! My only one for trumpet :) I have to say though. All of these trumpet players are amazing :)

If you know ANYTHING about the trumpet you know it begins here!

Louis WAS the guy. he literally took the world of jazz and said 'this is how you swing.' his power was and is unmatched. also the best improvisor of all time being a musical genius. to not see him at the #1 spot makes this whole list void. no one better than Satchmo

But Louis ignited the spark, he was extremely imaginative and have you ever tried to play "Cornet Chop Suey"? It is very difficult. Louis style is unmistakable, anytime I hear that punchy sound, I know it's him. That is hard to be said of many players. I think that is mastery, when one's musical identity is so saturated through the sound of his/her instrument, that with just one note, you know who it is, even if you can't see them.

You know just because a trumpet player is famous doesn't mean he is the best... Louis is amazing, but not in the top ten... leave that spot for the people who mastered trumpet. Louis was famous because of the era and the style he proformed at, his voice helped too.

He redefined the art of Trumpet playing...

he was a great and generous trumpteer

who can hit a tripple G then D when i hear "Primal Scream" that is heaven too listen too ; when i can play it! then you will understand why Maynard is The Best ; how about "Pagliacci" Live ; mark colby on saxxx is beyound understanding ; fasinateting ; Maynard is number 1!

Best player as in most skilled? Maynard. He may not be the best in terms of music produced, but some of his solos really showed off his mind-boggling talent, unrivaled by anyone.

Each trumpeter has his or her own unique qualities. Ferguson hit high notes with such clarity I don't know of others with this ability. So far as over all technique, Andre Maurice had no equal. His tonguing is mind boggling. I thought Rafael Mendez was fast. He was but no where near the tonal clarity of Maurice. Marsalis deserves his accolades but he' not even in the top twenty of world class trumpeters. Armstrong, Hart, Davis were good but not in the class of classical musicians. They are popular but. I'll leave it at that.

Maynard inspired generations of players. Best bands, best soloist, and visited so many HS. His tone was the most beautiful, singing, soaring sound.

Not sure why this is a contest. People that claim he lacked versatility are ignorant to his full body of recorded work. Classical, bebop, contemporary jazz...he did it all. Topping it off was his love for teaching and doing all he could to ensure the next generation(s) of musicians had music programs to allow them to flourish. I miss him so much!

Umm simply the best!

I took my boys to see him over the course of 14 years and he spanned the generations. One of the most inspiring things was the quality of the soloists in his bands. A big band can never be truly great if you aren't enthralled by it's individual solos, and he truly had them. He was the leader in bringing jazz to schools and I've met alumni who said the best years of their playing was in his band. He shared his gift.

He's always the best...for me

Should be Number 1, no one and I mean no one even compares to Maynard.

Maynard could do it, and did it ALL! Listen to him 'toe to toe' with Clifford and Clark Terry, live, on 'Dinah Jams' The fact is, he fit right in with two of the all-time greatest players, and he shines!

By Far one of the greatest should be 4th

Of course he was great. However, he was not one of the best all-around players. He was the best at what he did - being a front man scream player for a big band. Also an excellent jazz player and had the best high notes ever. He crossed into pop effortlessly and was very successful.

He was one of the best players ever, way better than Wayne Bergeron. My favorite player ever.

A boring player. No soul.

Maynard was influencial no doubt. He started the high note craze of the modeern era and set the tome, good or bad depending on your opinion, for lead trumpet. But all he really was good at was playing high. He had poor tone and was a lousy improviser. He read well thought from what i heard.

By far the most influential trumpet player of all time. A man who crossed so many musical genres like no trumpet player ever dared. The driving force,chemistry,and improvisational skill of his bands were nothing less than amazing. Of all the great horn players I've seen in my life time ,not one was as exciting as seeing and hearing Maynard perform!

82.....82 WOW that is nuts, Somewhere in the top 10 to 15

Not even close! These rankings are absurd!

The best of the best, showing his amazing range and bright tone, he is an idol for trumpet players years later

Maynard's dexterity is impressive to say the least.

STILL one of the ALL-TIME Trumpet greats. Though some may only know his Big Band and Jazz playing, he played it ALL...His playing was instrumental in influencing generations of trumpet players and he had a generous and outgoing personality...His musical talent was phenominal and anyone who ever accused him of being a "show-off" for his playing in the extreme upper register is either an idiot or jealous.

Rolf Smedvig was a student of the great French trumpeter, Maurice Andre. He was appointed as the youngest Principal Trumpet of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in its history. His magnificent virtuoso trumpet playing is displayed on many recordings of the Empire Brass, which he founded. He also made some wonderful solo albums for Telarc. He was truly one of the greatest trumpet players of all time!

Rolf is in the top 10. He was superb in technique and heart

if you think Smedvig is this low on the list, you don't know trumpet palying.

Absolutely insane tone. Like the purest, hand-down most consistent of any classical trumpeter, period.

I got to meet him at the University of Alabama!! He was one of the judges of Ellsworth Smith Solo Competition. Very nice man!

Phil Smith has announced that he will retire from the New York Philharmonic at the end of the 2013-2014 season. He will go down in history as the Michael Jordan of the orchestral trumpet. He is absolutely amazing.

Phil Smith is the greatest trumpet player to ever live

One of the greatest if not the greatest ever. Exceptional tone.

I'm new to trumpet playing. I think Dizzy's style is very reflective of his personality. It's joyfull, it's moody, it's so ...."REAL" I remember the first time I listened to him was on a record called "have trumpet will excite" and on some of his solos I would just burst into shouts and screams....he would do these huge leaps, these mega cool runs...aw man, sooo sweet. So full of surprises, and oh! so so swingin'

One of the best !

I think that most of the time, we underestimate Dizzy. What remains of him in our memory are his monstrous cheeks when he plays, but I think we all have forgotten that Dizzy wasn't Dizzy because of the cheeks, IT WAS HIS STYLE. HIS ABILITY TO SOLO. He was much more advanced than many players today.

i love his face when he plays

He could FLY around the horn...Amazing set of fingers and fantastic flexibility and articulation even at extreme speeds...While known for his combo and small group playing you really need to hear him playing "larger pieces" like "The Afro Suite" (4 movement suite) and "Gillespiana" ( 5 part suite) and other longer pieces written for him by Lalo Schifrin (such as "The Legend of Atlantis" and "The Empire" in 5/4 meter)...

Saw him in the early 80's in Merrillville, Indiana and turned his back to us all night. He was way over-rated. On his albums it was the other greats that made them sell.

Dude.... what's with trumpet players. I have a theory that our instrument is so challenging that few trumpet players ever get around to studying music (as opposed to pure technique). In my humble opinion, anyone who puts Miles under the top 3 doesn't prioritize music making.

oh my goodness! I can't believe that the guy who commented 2 under me said that miles isn't in the same league as bobby shew! Other way around, buddy.

The guy who commented under me seems to really like bobby shew. You idiot! Wynton and Miles are in a totally different league than Bobby Shew! Clearly, you think your trumpet IQ is like 150, but its probably closer to, oh... 60.

Great innovator and improviser. As an all around player, not so great. Huge influence on jazz, but compared to Bobby Shew, Wayne Bergeron, etc., not in the same league.

I love a lot of the music miles played. He was a trend setter and he got the best out of the talented young musicians that he brought into his band. He was a great improvisor, but as a trumpet player, he did not have the technique that others on this list have. He didn't have the range, and he cracked notes.

Let's be clear, if we're talking stricly about artistic ability and contribution, Miles makes every list. if we're talking about techical ability, he's not even close. Never was - before or after heroin.

Check out "All Blues" by Miles and you will think you are in heaven!! It's 11 minutes & 32 seconds of pure Jazz bliss by one of the best bands at the time.

Was phenominal in his early and mid years...It is a shame what heroin did to him in his later years. He could still play but his improvisation became trite, his sound thin, and his once great stylistic abiliity became shallow...For reallyGREAT Miles, check out his "Porgy and Bess" and other fantastic arrangements written for him by Gil Evans...

The amazing fact about Arturo being self taught with no formal musical training, is that he has mastered the horn in ways only a few can match. The ability not only to hit notes out of the natural scale but to actually play these notes as music and not just a high pitch sound is amazing. Many can hit a triple high "C" , but a quadruple "G" is unheard off. I've not heard any other horn player carry a melody staying in such high octaves. He is number ONE in my book.

Arturo is the best in the world right now !!!!!!!!🎺🎺🎺🎺

Arturo Sandoval is to jazz dexterity what Maurice Andre is to classical excellence. Both are the absolute best in tone quality and performance precision.

Arturo is the best and all you guys who don't think that are even latin jazz listeners or just plain good music

Haha yes! at the beginning of the day he was #27, now he is down to # 30!

nice to see Arturo plummeting downward in the rankings :). Three years ago, he was #3. Thank goodness He is losing stock.

Who makes this list?? It's very unacured

Arturo is the most overrated player ever. He can play high- SO WHAT? Jon Faddis could absolutely destroy Sandoval in any competition, as could many other 'high-playing' jazz trumpeters. All arturo does in solos is he plays high and goes up and down chromatically. He's overrated.

I love Arturo

arturo is the trumpet genius!! he must rank number 1 !

LOL that Arturo is below Dizzie. Dizzie produced a lot of popular tunes, but Arturo could always play circles around him and everybody knew that.

Sandoval is the proper spelling

This guy (sanduval) is the best. I would listen to him some before you vote for anyone else. Oh, and Maurice Andre' is the best for classical. How did Vizzutti make #1? Even Clifford brown blows him away, and I don't think Clifford is on this list. Best entertainer and best sound goes to Satchmo....and every serious trumpet player agrees with this. What a Phenom.

His achievements without formal training are astounding.

Once you hear Arturo's "Mam-Bop" cut...You have to ask yourself, is this horn virtuoso from this world. He is amazing, awe-inspiring.

i love this guy

haha this is a joke

I had never heard of this guy until I came across this poll. I looked him up on YouTube to see for myself, and I have to say that in my opinion, he sounds quite nice and mellow - quite relaxing to listen to. I really don't know how he got to the top of this list though. Nice playing, but nowhere near the best of all time.

Why is Miles #15 with 48 points? Can we just revisit the man and his music and witness a phenomenon who stepped outside the realm of norm, experimented with electricity, took insurmountable musical risk, played what he wanted, never tap dance for anyone and oh! ******* Brew…

Doc Serverinsen was once asked who he belived was the greatest living player....he said Phil Driscoll.

Who besides Wynton has mastered both genres (classical and jazz)? No contest!

This guy is horrible compared to alison balsom...look her up

who?

Fresu’s style is reminiscent of arguably the greatest trumpet player in jazz history: Miles Davis. Fresu was born in Sardinia, Italy, but that did not deter him from absorbing the best of American jazz. Influenced by the 1950s work of trumpet icons Miles Davis and Chet Baker, Fresu has developed a sophisticated style, employing the perfect combination of fantastic skill and exquisite emotion. What separates Fresu from the pack is his ability to combine a reverence for the past with an inquisitive orientation that drives his playing into the future.

i did not hijacked,i just invited italians to vote for italian players.i know americans are better players but this way some of you will have a look on youtube to se other players from around the world paolo is a good player maybe not top 10 in history but top 3 today.

I don't even think Paolo would say he is better than a lot of the other players on here. He has a nice sound but isn't an innovator by any means.

Can't swing!

Some Italian has hijacked these rankings!!! Yeah Paolo and these other Italians are better than Pops, Diz and Brownie... right.

the best player in the world today from sardinia italy

Played with him at Northeastern Illinois University. about 76-78 ? His last album my favorite Love & Inspiration. What lyrical beauty even at that age. on Moonlight Sonata, and La Boda DeLa Alonzo. not to mention schuberts serenade. Most humble man I ever met. and the kindest. trumpet player as well.

Outstanding sound,immaculate execution and formidable flexibility and range along with his mastery of circular breathing.

played with Ozzies Band in 1955. He was rated best in the world..

Raphael should be ranked #1 along with Doc Severinsen.

By far the best. Technically speaking, no one compares

Right on. He had no equal. however: as long as he did not play jazz. Not his thing. Otherwise Phenominal. Knew him & saw him in person several times. we Miss you rafael.

I would also say he is the best of the best

Yes! just listen to his Moto Perpetuo

I heard alot as lead trumpet with The Russ Morgan Orchestra, from Hirt, to James,to playing with Mendez at college a year or 2 before he passed. The best all around is Doc Severinsen.

Saw Doc in 73-74 at Western Illinois University. What a great night. He was at his best.

Obviusly the list was made with the wrong criteria. Talent and technique-wise, doc should be at least top 10 if not top 5. Style of music is irrelevant.

Maybe not the greatest at one particular style of music, but as far as all-around, Doc is my number one.

should be in the top 20

Great jackets

Began as an amazing young player, even today remains at the top of his game.

Beautiful sound. It is clear and claims resonance.

Can't believe Mr. Hardenberger is not among the top 10.....

definately someone worth listening to.

Probably the best studio trumpet player alive today.

Honest to god, he's just an all-around better player than Maynard. He's got just about the same range, but much more clarity, agility, and resonance.

Wayne Bergeron stands alone in the world of lead trumpet playing. If anyone disagree's they obviously havent seen him live

Wayne is the most accurate and in tune player. Even Maynard said he was the most muscial. I can truthfully say that hearing way is a musical experience you will never forget.

Maynard Ferguson was a much better player than Wayne Bergeron. He is good though.

um, are you kidding me? Clearly, you don't know what you are talking about! Don't get me wrong, he's a phenomenal lead player, one of the best out there today, but I can list at least 4 LEAD players who are better than him- Jon Faddis, Doc severensein, Maynard Furgeson, and Bill Chase. and that's just lead players.

wayne bergeron has to be the worlds greatest trumpeter of his generation, he is bloody insane. anyone who says otherwise has no idea what they're talking about.

yes, bergeron is good, but certainly not worthy of even the top 100, let alone 3rd PLACE, are you kidding me?

wayne bergeron is a beast

Those videos make me laugh!

One of the most effortless players ever. Wayne is very exciting to listen and has phenomenal range and control.

He was a stellar trumpet player/big red dog.

Brownie , Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw all deserve better

he should be first

amazing

the best i have ever heard he had the sweetest sounds

The greatest of all time.

Having Brownie down here and Maynard and Arturo way up there? What are ya high?

Being one of the greatest if not THE greatest jazz musicians, he should not be this low in a list of trumpet players

WHAT???? why if brownie all the way down here???? :( Had the warmest sounds i've EVER heard, its like listening to melted chocolate...

Perhaps the best Flugelhorn player of all time. Probably second to Maurice Andre in Classical Trumpet Repertoire; just my opinion. Listens to jazz in his spare time. I believe he is at least in the same ball park as Rafael Mendez, Phil Smith, and Paolo Fresu. Unbelievable control of his sound, which by the way is completely unique. Amazing player!!!

Please people! Rank this guy higher!! He should be #1

although he is amazing, he is not an innovator. He plays almost EXACTLY the same as two other Russians, who were both just as good as he is.

I think Sergei should be in the top 5 living trumpet players and for all time, at LEAST in the top 20. Unbelievable sound and intonation; can play anythingsomeone gives him

Famed as the "Paganini of the trumpet" He is the best! No one can be compared to him. I found this out after seeing his documentary "No more wunderkind" and listening to his recording of Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso!

This is ridiculous Sergei should at least be in the top 5 and if you disagree then you should listen to his album "No Limit." Who else can easily circular breathe through technical passages other than Nakariakov. Also he was a child prodigy that played better than most people on this list.

Phenomenal cat!! His chops were like rubber, and he could play any thing in bop or jazz. Not sure where he should be, but definitely play technique-wise above Herb Alpert.

When it comes to sheer playing ability, Hubbard has the technical facility to hang with the best. He's probably lower on the list do to the fact that he might be lesser known, but his melodic vocabulary is incredible. He should be top ten in my opinion.

Very underrated talent by the jazz establishment. One of the all time great jazz composers and improviser as one heck of a trumpet player.

Listen to this guy and move him up. He is favorite of a LOT of jazz trumpet greats. Very tallented and innovative. Beautiful sound.

While Alan Vizzutti is probably one of the most talented technical players in the world I can easily list 20 or so people who surpass him in tone.

Yes, it's Allen, and right now he's unsurpassed as far as I know. Hearing him play his own Rising Sun Concerto is a revelation of tone and technique.

Vizzuti is not the best. Not even top 25 greatest of all time, for that matter.

It's Allen, and he is definitely the best. People always heavily favor jazz players (even to the point of completely neglecting orchestral players). But if you look at the whole picture, no one can match Vizzutti's technical ability, beautiful tone, huge range, style, personality, etc. Complete package.

Vizzutti could be listed number one, if we are strictly talking technical ability. His double and triple tonguing through multiple octaves is unbelievable. Great tone, range, accuracy, circular breathing and he can play anything, from baroque, classical,popular and jazz, and he does it effortlessly. Only knock I heard against hi is he plays with a very noticeable pivot when he plays in the upper register. Who cares if he hits those notes so well and has the flexibility to hit a fat low note right after a double C.

Allen Vizzutti is a GOD at playing trumpet, his Carnival of Venus is absolutely AMAZING!

It should be Allen. And this guy is very talented!

Allen and Maurice are both exceptional players, I would have to go with Allen Vizzutti just inching ahead of Maurice.

You mean ALLEN Vizzutti?

Vizzutti's ability to articulate with such accuracy and range can only be interpreted as being a master virtuoso.

Her tone is fantastic and it's really inspiring to see another girl playing trumpet, and she deserves to be placed higher on a list full of men...

Alison's Bach recordings touch me deeply. Her expression is subtle and emotional. She has a sublime quality similar to Maurice André.

Beautiful and talented. One of the most flawless players I personally have heard in a long time, and I'm a trumpet major in college.

Thomas is literally the best trumpet player ever, he plays in church and sounds absolutely amazing.

Beast!

THE BEST PLAYER NO LIE

Dude you suck get a life

This guy thinks he's buff bug he's a little skinny wimp that can only play trumpet to save his life. He is good at absolutely nothing else and should shut up

Best trumpet player I have ever heard!

Yea! He is the BEST!

hes gud

Thomas Berar has some of the best musical ears that I have ever seen. His skills on trumpet are better than Ronaldo doing his Ronaldo Chop. Even better than Messi's dribbling. He even plays better than when Neymar dives. He can save a solo better than Casillas. He manages his solos better than Anchelotti. Nuff said.

Dude I'm this guys cousin. He plays his butt off.

are u kidding. The best highschool player i have ever heard

Very good.

YES! Very good player -Johnny

Harry James was the most technically proficient and versatile trumpet virtuoso of all time. He was the greatest lead player, big band soloist and Jazz improvisor of all big band trumpeters, and his style evolved from early Louis Armstrong inspired solos to BeBop in the '40's and after. His tone was the most recognizable of any trumpet star and no one caressed a ballad better than Harry.

Harry James was best known for his virtuosity and his beautiful singing style ,but he was very underrated as a jazzer- his solos with the Benny Goodman band are absolutely fabulous. far better than anyone else at that period

Harry James was The best, period. I have been playing successfully For over 50 years. I have studied them all. They Are all good, but Harry was GREAT! He Was born to play....

Did you ever here the story of when Harry James and Roy Eldridge played at the same show? Eldridge was specifically told before they went on that no one wanted to hear him embarrass the famous (and white) Harry James.

He should be #1...Listen to "trumpet concerto harry james" on youtube and see. Since he"s from the 30s & 40s, few present day people have hear him (or of him.

Yes, you always new it was Harry James playing, just like a bach Trumpet :) I love all the greats, but I must say, Harry is one of my favourites!

Nobody - NOBODY else ever evoked a sweet mellow mood from a trumpet. Harry James can be easily recognised when the music calls for long emotional passages - he is unique in this regard. 68

Harry James was the most technically proficient of any trumpet player the United States produced. He was an all star lead trumpet at 19 and lead his own band at 23. His peers said there was nothing he could not play. He had a photographic mind and only had to read an arrangement once and knew it forever. He was a powerful Jazz improviser as well as a style trendsetter. His gorgeious sound was recognizable over any other trumpet star. He should be ranked #1.

In his prime he had the sweetest tone, cleanest style, and best ad lib jazz technique ever..........#13......NO WAY.

Harry James was the overall finest trumpet player of all time. He was technically proficient and had the most beautiful sound of any trumpet player before and after him up to today.

There was Harry James...and then there is everybody else!! And where is Conrad Gozzo on this list?

Could play anything....better than Louie and Wynton combined

great chops...range.. style...

was smooth and powerful.

he should be in top 10 to 15

He is......brilliant! Never heard someone playing baroque music on piccolo trumpet like him.Great!

He is offering an inexhaustible feast for the ears. What afine player.

Here he goes again, that darn Bobby Shew lover. Honestly, what is up with you? Just because you see a player perform live doesn't mean that they are the greatest of all time!

Has to be considered one of the best ever. Great studio player. Great lead player. Great jazz player. Innovator with the very cool sounding Shewhorn. I got to watch Toshiko's band rehearse "Son of Road Time." Watching Bobby site read that (whole band, actually) I knew I was never going to be close to that good. On top of his playing, he is the nicest, most gracious guy you could ever meet. Friendly and classy all the way around.

....you thought wrong.

I'll take Herb's playing anytime and anywhere. Some of his music is not my taste per se, but he is underestimated and underappreciated in my opinion. No one stays in business and is recognized for over 60 years without talent.

Brings back memories of the glorious 60s when Herb and TJ Band were cranking out winner after winter

Great producer. Mediocre player. Surrounded himself with great players. (He showed up at John Clyman's house looking to improve in the 80s. Funny story about that.)

herb alpert is great

Herb Alpert is not a good trumpet player. He was a master at promoting himself and becasme popular. But not a good player.

Herb Albert was a third chair trumpet palyer in the USC marching band in the 1950"s. I had his old helmut in 1972. HJ

Herb the nerd! Richest trumpet player of all time! Lousy player!!!

I can't say who is greatest, but the first comment here is true, Herb Alpert is the most commercially successful trumpeter of all time. I mean if you look at dollars in the bank. He is a very, very wealthy man.

I love Herb, but he does not come close to being on the all time list.

No one lasts almost 50 years without talent. Give Herb his due. And give him credit for having an amazing ear for recognizing talent as well.

Give me a break. Herb wouldn't have made his band if he had to try out.

Herb Alpert had a unique sound and talent. Being the best technically does not necessarily make you the best. Once you get to a given technical level it is style that takes over. Herb Alpert had the style.

Ok, above comment, so not true. There are a lot more successful...and if you like his sound, try Sanduval. Not that I would even compare the two....but both have a latin feel to thie music.

Herb Alpert is clearly the most commercially successful trumpeter of all time by far. He also has a unique sound and style. He is (thankfully) a great musician rather than a great technician. We trumpeters can learn much from that!

This isn't supposed to be based on potential... Having him ranked between Adolph Herseth and Phil Smith while a teenager is inexcusable.

you played a very good exam... :)

;)

he is very well

jhe has a nice sound as well as B flat as C

he has a nice sound, he's really talented!

Great Pedal tones for sure. Also very good dark sound. Too bad most people have never heard of him.

This dude should be at least in the top ten! He is amazing! Just listening to him i get chills he is so good.

Possibly better than all the rest.

He even lifts, bro.

His improvisational skills make your heart and soul have a self tingling sensation while making your mind wonder how it is possible to create such beautiful music on the dime.

great player of the skin flute i hear!

The first great homosexual trumpet player.

Fun fact : Clark Lambert began his incredibly successful musical career playing the flute. The more you know.

Has a six pack.

Incredible range and a bright and sizzling tone.

Beautiful tone and solgoing virtuoso.

His sound makes me cry, his playing is actually everything I try to emulate with my music

Give me a break, this man makes me cry every time I listen

I couldn't believe I had to scroll down this far to find Chet Baker. Good lord.

Probably one of the most talented players Ever. He was still great even after his teeth were Knocked out. He came back and played Some of his very best. Number 31...I think not. He should be in the top 5.

Anyone who doesn't have Chet Baker in the top 10 obviously doesn't understand the definition of best....sigh

like what he does not sure how i found him though i need to listen to more trumpet players

So your saying he lived like Miles;)

I'm completely biased, but Phil and Doc should have been rated WAY higher...ESPECIALLY based on talent and technical skill. LOVE Phil! Patterned my own style after his (and Doc and Maynard, but mostly Phil).

i love his style of playing

Amazing horn but has delved into great vocals. Great improvisation, great range.

Dude. Phil Driscoll is for sure one of the best all time players. Have you ever heard is fingering?

Phil Driscoll seems underrated, very talented trumpeter that bellows out from bottom to top. Great trumpeter, not known enough.

Uh, have you not heard his tonguing or fingering? He's probably the best technical player ever. And certainly the most creative.

What's the deal with white players and the playing high.

He's got some great chops and even a better voice. But limited vocabulary and shouldn't be ranked this high! If this was a "who can play the highest" or tone competition, I could see him up a little higher. Maybe.

Phil should have been among the top ten. His high register is simply captivating.

Another one of those phenominal trumpet players that all to few people really know about...Big, pure sound from the bottom to the extreme top of the horn...

and you sucks in comparison with this guy

this guy sucks compared to alison balsom...

Her 'attack' is unbelievable and precise. For anyone to play for the first time as a soloist twice in one set of Proms at the age of 26 must be unusual. She is the Emma Kirkby of the trumpet.

She's an excellent player with a characteristic voice.

What a sound!!Clean and articulate! Beautiful

Giant thing loves Tine Thing!!!

Roditi is wonderful player. He has amazing tone and liquid, lyrical interpretation,.... buuut!!... He is NOT Italian!!! Claudio was born and raised in Brazil.

Now THERE'S an Iitalian who can play- he sounds more like Clifford than anyone else, and is an absolute monster. certainly one of the best jazz players alive, probably top 15.

I kept going down the list and FINALLY found AL! Actually everyone on this list deserves to be there and ranking is subjective, but for me, Al was the king!

Actually Harry James played Flight of the Bumble Bee

One of my favorites, easily in the top 5 of all time.

Look in the dictionary for the word "embouchure", and you will find a picture of Al Hirt playing his horn!

No other trumpet player ever tried to play the Flight of the Bumblebee. He is the best. Period....

Al Hirt had incredible sound, was a master technician and was funny as hell. To rank this trumpet player outside the top ten in history would be a shame.

My high school bandleader played trombone on a Nashville session with Al Hirt in '67 or '68. All the top brass musicians in town were on the session. They were absolutely bowled over by his technique and tone.

Top 3 without a doubt in my book.

al hirt... for me is a headache medicine.

OMG - Al Hirt has to be in the top five. He was extremely versatile, classically trained and could read music - something some of those ranked higher could not do.

If you haven't heard Al do Holiday For Trumpet, or Swing Low Sweet Chariot with Billy May and the Horn a Plenty Orchestra, then you are missing a very important element in your Brass Education. His version of Carnival of Venice performed at Carnegy Hall shouldn't be missed either. Listen to the above and then give an educated opinion.

Al Hirt... 30?... YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! Listen to the theme from the Green Hornet and tell me that again! from an old trumpet player

Al Hurtin' when he played legit stuff.

Al "he's the best" Hirt to be exact

34? Pick up Tom Cat, and play Exotique and Twice Around, and tell me that the world has ever known 33 better trumpeters. Top 5 ever, at worst

Underrated is an understatement. His technique is amazing and my personal favorite jazz trumpet player of all time.

really really good jazz player of bop era.. I think he would have been higher but his career sadly shortened .. shot at 33.

his solo on Moanin' is one of my favorite solos.

Lee Morgan and Wynton are the only two players in history to be able to play at the highest level in both jazz and classical playing.

yes i agree completely, and clifford brown the same. these two men are in my top 10 all time.

An amazing all around player and also a great teacher.

He is very good, when it comes time to the technical music

yes, I'd have to say that Barry is one of the best teachers. impeckable sense of tuning, has one of the best trumpet collections of anybody out there.

he is definately one of the best teachers on the planet... one of the great geniuses in his playing as well.

sorry but no-one can come even close to his mastery of trumpet

James Morrison is amongst the best of the best. He does it all and extremely well. Many of the players rated above James are not qualified tp carry his horn. Arturo Sandoval and Al Vizzutti are in the same league.(best of the best)

Arturo, Vizzutti and James Morrison are the three best trumpeters that I know of today. There is no denying that Wynton, is a marvelous player, but although I really liked his classical playing, he lost me as a fan with his jazz. He sings praises of Louis and Miles but he is missing that kind of soul in his own playing. There have been many wonderful players in the past like Ferguson, Brisbois, Chase, Cat, Maurice Andres, Bud Herseth, Mendez, Biederbeck and Hirt, but they're gone, just like Clark, Bellsted, Rogers, Krill, and and W.Smith were gone in their hay day. Arturo, Vizzutti and Morrison do it all and do it extremely well, and although this list has many great players those three are number 1 in my book.

james should be number 1

Love this guy on the trumpet and trombone.

Kraussmeister!!!

He's a nice boy.

hands down, most beautiful sound

He is one of my favorites!

The man is definitely in the top ten. he taught me years ago. First time I heard him play a solo, I stopped playing in awe. Great trumpet player, greater man!

Still teaching private students at age 96!! (Plus, he likes to brag that he still has all of his own teeth!)

Phenominal, rich, thick sound combined with fantastic range. No "mosquito" high notes from Marchese. Played with Jack Teagarden, Sinatra, Sammy Davis and others. Listen to his "Hora Staccato" with Frankie Masters Band. Amazing. Taught his own trumpet technique for years.

Coach Marchese inspired thousands of students to love music and should easily be in the top 10. He has one of the smoothest trumpets I have ever heard and is still playing into his 90's. He is one of those musicians you could listen to for hours. And...he's really a great guy.

Although I was not one of Andy Marchese's students he inspired in me a love of Music and the appreciation of a truly talented musician

Andy "Coach" Marchese is a one-in-a-million trumpet player, band director and jazz performer. He should rank in the top 20 for sure. Great all around musician!

Doc Severenson was once asked by Johnny Carson who he thought was the best trumpet player in the US, and Doc said Andy Marchese. This man was my mentor, and he DID play the Flight of the Bumblebee! The man is a master trumpeter! Hands down!

Litmus test of a true jazz master is how many students he or she has inspired. Andy Marchese taught thousands and thousands of kids, from elementary schools through doctorates, to love and share music throughout their lives. Even in his 90's, that cat can still blow that horn! Give 'em hell, Coach!

Began playing as a young boy in Florida and was working gigs at age 10. Still working gigs at almost 93 years old! His students traveled from all around the world to match in his final parade at the high school where he taught

Started playing in New Orleans Jazz district at age ten! Nobody plays Dixieland Jazz better!

Still performing at age 93! Fantastic teacher and incredible performer!

The best player bar none....but more importantly great and inspirational teacher of music to budding musicians....a great role model

Got this way wrong, should be top 5

Bill Chase and Maynard Ferguson should be so closer together. Obviously they recognized Maynard's skills, but Bill was just flat out awesome too....

agreed, it's a travesty that bill chase is placed so low and the same goes for doc severenson. how he placed so low is beyond me. Obviously someone who thought his only body of work was the "tonight show" both men deserve top 5 status in my opinion and I'm sorry...but herp alpert made this list?

Sadly it appears that Bill Chase has been forgotten by the passage of time. Do a little research and you will agree he should be in the top five at least.

I can't believe Bill was so far down the list. About 44 people ahead of him on the list know Bill was better.... I was a big fan....loved the Pure Music LP....Just when they had an accessible "voice" to reach a wider audience....the band's leader died along with several other members. Tragic to say the least. Such a loss.

Bill definitely NUMBER ONE. His compadres in the "Power Wall of Brass": Ted Piercefield, Alan Ware and Jerry Van Blair should also be high on this list.

I appears that you have not heard Bill Chase! If you had, he would be number one on this list!!! His trumpet made the angels cry!!!!!!

Loved hearing Bill play in his group "Chase". Also really liked hearing him play lead for Woody Herman's band.

The brass version of Kenny G - gag!

He grew up a few years before me in my home town. We have common friends. I have no problem with him as a problem or person but I do have a problem with him being in the top 40 players ever.

Botti's music touches my soul, it's as if his trumpet is expressing my deepest most profound aspirations & longings. My emotions light up & my heart soars. I'm going to see him on Mother's Day & I may have to be restrained from throwing myself at him on stage lol! Fantasy aside I never grow tired of Chris. He's just got it all: talent, pizzazz, personality, he's handsome, humble & he jams w/ Bocelli, Streisand. Sting, Sinatra, Paula Cole, YoYo Ma, Renee Olsted & on & on he plays w/ the best of the best. Grazie Dio per Chris Botti he is a rare & precious gift to be enjoyed!

He has one of the best sounds on trumpet I've ever heard. Love his style. I got to see him live; it was amazing!

Incredible. he made me feel like I was "there".

but hes one of the best and better than you plus hes an amazing person, ive had the honor to talk to him on the phone as a part of morehead state universitys summer arts academy, hes good friends with the professor of trumpet there, so ive had the honor of talking to him and hes given me a new trumpet outlook, i love him to death!

His playing needs mo stank!

Very pretty sound, but not very exciting. Nothing "wrong" with what he does but he somewhat like vanilla ice cream in a world of Baskin-Robbins.

This guy should be near the top. Even Satchmo gave him his props.

Beiderbecke. Bix Beiderbecke was his name. Short-lived trumpeter and cornetist played in Chicago of the late 1920's. Check out his recording "In a Mist" or tracks with the Paul Whiteman Orchestra.

Bieder'BACH'? Is he the last decedent of JS Bach?

the greatest american orchestral trumpet player to ever do it. and a really great guy

Wait holy crap, how is Phil this far down... Hands down the best classical trumpet player after Herseth.

if you don't have phil smith in your top 3 best trumpet players, you have no taste in music.

This guy is truly talented. Not number 1 but definitely top 10!

he thinks hes good, but cant play high to save his life. ;)

Actually, I took a tuner to one of his concerts and he plays perfectly well in tune. There is this Aaron k. kid that is jealous of his skills and it is hilarious to watch him trying to bring Clemente down!

I also say he plays flat. Maybe that's his thing but it doesn't sound good.

I heard this guy play last week!! It is like heaven opens up when he starts to play! Truly amazing technique and tone quality!

It takes more than playing consistently flat to melt my heart... no thanks!

WHO?????

somebody is a hopeless romantic/liar

Heard Clark in the late 60's- early 70's when he soloed with our college band at the U of Northern Iowa. Clark could make the trumpet talk, caress, and sing. Miles knew what he was talking about Clark's playing. He should be way up there.

47!? Ask Wynton Marsalis about Clark Terry. He will tell you he was the most influential player in his life. Miles Davis said Clark was his first idol. He wanted to play like Clark. Clark Terry was so great, Duke Ellington wrote songs just to feature him. He MADE Quincy Jones. He had better tone than Dizzy, but was just as fast. He was far far better than this ranking would show. Below Chris Botti? Come on.

53? no way, much higher

Not even in the best 1000 around today. Just listen to him.

Chuck Mangione was one of the last popular in the eyes of the public instrumentalists and there is a strong reason why... His tone was great and the music that he made was fantastic. His technique while never really showcased was exceptional as well but unlike the others on this list he knew that the majority of culture wouldn't like things way too fast to keep up with or shrilly high. In my opinion he is easily top 20.

Wow guys. Before killing Chuck don't forget he played with Art Blakey. He was for real.

Nice cream of wheat sound.

A fine pop artist and decent flugelhorn player. One of the best trumpet players? Absolutely no evidence for this whatsoever. This seem to be more of a "who I've heard of" contest. Saying CM is one of the best trumpet players is like saying Celine Dion is the best singer.

Wow! Great? No. He composed some popular music for a couple of decades and he can improvise his butt off, but as a player he is not even close to great. Sorry.

Chuck Mangione is the best trumpet or flugelhorn ever to play! He has a style that is smooth and exeptional. I am yet to hear a player who truely is better.

Chuck Mangione really is that great, and any excellent flugelhorn player would think so. Chuck's music and flugelhorn playing is exceptional.

Beautiful sound and had a style that the average person loved to listen to..His music was rhythmically alive and pulled you along with it...His playing and his hip charts/arrangements made playing the Flugelhorn a "cool thing" to do again for a new generation of trumpet players.

not really that great

Neal has the best tonal concept I've heard from a young trumpet player since the turn of the century.

he can play a c scale with just his upper lip and his tongue

Amazing growl trumpet played with soul. Most soulful player i have ever heard.

Great player, should probably be rated higher. His "I can't Get Started" a top 5 al time American recording.

His "I Can't Get Started" one of the great recordings of all time.

He poured all of his heart and soul into his music and if you really listen to his playing, he was a genius. should be in the top 20

When I listen to his music I realize what a powerful musician he was. He also played solo's in a risky way.

Louis Armstrong's favorite trumpet player because Bunny played his trumpet with heart and soul.

Bunny was a living Legend in his day. He wasn't much of a band leader, but he loved the music he played. It's unfortunate that alcohol took his life so early. Listen to his solos with Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey and you will realize what a great musician he was.

Woody Shaw at #58 again deserves better

Sounds sharp on YouTube!!!

Soulful and creative

This is a joke right-One of the greatwst

Yes - Vince is awesome. I had the privilege to study with him for a week at Interlochen Center for the Arts. he was by far one of the best trumpet players amd teachers I've experienced!

The nicest,kndest,and very professional and diplomatic with others.Great,Player,All Around,His Own Man,played in Las Vegas when he was doing lead workat every hotel.I was starting out with the Russ Morgan Orchestra. To me one of the most successful trumpeters ever and a step up guy. Michael-Chicago

better than all trumpet players, but people are just jealous..

Truly Talented!!

Yeah right...

Jerry Hey is an American trumpeter, flugelhornist, horn arranger, string arranger, orchestrator and session musician who has played on hundreds of commercial recordings, including 'Thriller'. He is known as the Seawind trumpeter and arranger who plays with Gary Grant, Larry Williams and Bill Reichenbach Jr..

Amazing arranger and trumpet player. Kept Gary Grant out front where he should be for decades.

Eric is ice man - perfection even in upper register. Listen to him in the Maynard tribute band. Never seen it look so easy. I would put him in the top 20 for sure.

Chuck Findley is a rediculous trumpeter and studio musician! He's a world class player and a solid and fearless lead player with surprising range and power. He's also an excellent jazz player. Chuck can play anything!

Dramatically underrated player. Check out his recordings with Bobby Shew.

Actually Chris was asked to go to Chicago, but turned it down to stay in Atl for a few years with his teacher larry black. Christ, in my humblest opinion, is the best player in the country right now

So overrated. Real players know he's nothing special. I wouldn't even break if he was crossing the street in front of me!

this guy plays a flugal horn

he clearly does not win every audition, it took him three tries to get into the CSO

I went to Indiana University with Randy. My roommate played trombone with him. He was phenomanol then and still is in his 70's!

totally agree with you men, this guy is total beast like is brother, and a great composer. Listen to ''Some skunk funk''

Agree.

He is the best player ever holy crap guys look him up come on.

I studied with Cat briefly before he passed away. A very nice man. His power above double C was awesome. He was also a very under rated jazz improvisor as well.

YES!!!...The things he did with Ellington are STILL Legend....

Ryan came from a little town in NW Iowa. His dad was a tremendous band director. Ryan's chops are deep, that's why he plays in Wynton's band. WOW!!

I recently discovered her. Having attended Indiana University for private study, and played on the road for 8 years, or more , I must say she is a musician and trumpet player, equally. Iheard lots of high chops at IU, but Alison is a total extention of her and the horn. So musical, beautiful sound. , not just notes and volume. I wish I could study with her. ! She is some player Michael-Chicago Area.

Features twice in this list, getting a bit of a split vote...

Incredible player.

One of the great classical players from Wichita State along with John Aley

wait how is this guy at least in the top 50.

Agreed. Certainly one of the best soloists in the world currently performing. Outstanding trumpeter.

Derek played the lead in all of the James Bond movies and was well remembered for his great work with world famous bandleader James Last. Derek can be seen on Youtube in Orange Blossom Special in Miami, Florida on Ocean Drive, South Beach with James Last - beautiful scenery and music!

Lynn Nicholson's high chops are outrageous! He's accurate, consistent and strong.

Power horn for sure.

Great and innovator...

The most dynamic pure trumpeter ever. Extreme control over the horn and an exceptional improvisor. I met him once and saw him live. He was very generous with his advice and had more raw power than anybody I've ever heard! Should be in the top 15 all time.

Roger is in my opinion the finest jazz lead trumpeter of the 90s and 2000s. That, and he's a spectacular human being.

'The Man With Golden Trumpet" His O Mein Papa won him a gold disc--first ever for a musician, i believe! Had a number of great hits: "Mystery Street"& "Midnight" are great solos with his unique sound.

This guy is amazing!

It seems that this is largely the quality of the comments and rankings in this whole exercise. Too many people don't know what they are talking about.

News flash: Glenn Miller, while an amazing band leader and arranger, not to mention a tragic story, was a TROMBONIST not a TRUMPETER. Sorry.