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Canadian-American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and flugelhorn player renowned for his phenomenal range, powerful sound, and electrifying stage presence. A master of the high register who became a global ambassador for big band jazz.Born in Verdun, Quebec, Canada.Became a professional musician in his teens, playing with bands in Canada.Gained fame playing lead trumpet in Stan Kenton's Innovations Orchestra (1950-1953).Became a highly sought-after studio musician in Los Angeles (1950s), playing on countless film and TV soundtracks.Formed his own big band, "Maynard Ferguson and his Orchestra," achieving significant commercial success in the 1970s, notably with the hit "Gonna Fly Now (Theme from Rocky)".Toured relentlessly worldwide with various iterations of his big band for decades.Dedicated educator, establishing the Maynard Ferguson Institute of Jazz at Rowan University.Died in Ventura, California, USA.

• Ferguson was a child prodigy, performing with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Orchestra by age 13.
• His time in Hollywood saw him play on soundtracks for films like "The Ten Commandments" and TV shows including "Peter Gunn".
• Facing declining interest in big bands in the late 1960s, he moved to India and then the UK, forming a new band ("MF Horn") that fused jazz with rock and pop, leading to his massive 1970s resurgence.
• His rendition of "Gonna Fly Now" was a surprise #1 hit on the pop charts in 1977, introducing him to a vast new audience.
• He died of kidney and liver failure, attributed to an abdominal infection.