Jack Nimitz

Biography

Nimitz was born in Washington, D.C. He began playing clarinet at the age of twelve and picked up alto saxophone when he was fourteen. He played in local bands in Washington, D.C. After specializing on baritone sax, he found work in the territory bands of Willis Conover, Bob Astor, Johnny Bothwell, and Daryl Harpa. He played with Woody Herman (1953–55), Stan Kenton (1955–56, 1958–59), and Herbie Mann (1959); he also played in the house band for the Savoy Theater in the 1950s.

He moved to Los Angeles and worked in film music, in addition to playing with Bill Berry, Benny Carter Bill Perkins, Bud Shank, Frank Strazzeri, Gerald Wilson, and Supersax. Additionally, he recorded with the vocalists Johnny Hartman, June Christy, Peggy Lee, Carmen McRae, Anita O'Day and Diane Schuur.

In 1995 he released his first solo album. The Jack Nimitz Quintet played their final performance on May 10, 2009, in Northridge, California. Nimitz died in Los Angeles at the age of 79 from complications due to emphysema.

As leader

As sideman

With Gene Ammons

With Kenny Burrell

With Nat King Cole

With Clare Fischer

With Gil Fuller

With Woody Herman

With Stan Kenton

With Steuart Liebig

With Herbie Mann

With Shelly Manne

With Les McCann

With Carmen McRae

With Oliver Nelson

With Bill Perkins

With Bud Shank

With Lalo Schifrin

With Bud Shank

With Gerald Wilson