Artie Shaw
A brilliant, restless clarinetist who led one of the era's most popular big bands but famously walked away from fame multiple times.
1910–2004 (age 94)·American clarinetist and bandleader·Birthday: May 23·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Artie Shaw was a man perpetually at odds with his own success. Born Arthur Arshawsky in New York City, he picked up the saxophone and clarinet as an escape, developing a clean, piercingly intelligent sound. In the late 1930s, his band's recording of 'Begin the Beguine' catapulted him to the zenith of the Swing Era, making him a rival to Benny Goodman. But Shaw despised the trappings of stardom and the frantic demands of leading a touring orchestra. He disbanded his group at the height of its popularity, enlisted in the Navy during WWII to lead a morale-boosting band in the Pacific, and later formed a groundbreaking ensemble that incorporated classical strings. A lifelong intellectual, he eventually left music altogether for decades, writing fiction and pursuing other interests, forever remembered as the virtuoso who found the spotlight unbearable.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Artie was born in 1910, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Artie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1910
Artie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1910Born
Halley's Comet makes its closest approach
President: William Howard Taft
1915Started school
The Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat
President: Woodrow Wilson
1923Became a teenager
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1926Could drive
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1928Could vote
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1931Turned 21
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1940Turned 30
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
1950Turned 40
Korean War begins
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,354Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Goodnight Irene" — Gordon Jenkins & The WeaversBest Picture: All About Eve
1960Turned 50
Kennedy-Nixon debates become first televised presidential debates
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,900Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Theme from A Summer Place" — Percy FaithBest Picture: The Apartment
1970Turned 60
First Earth Day; The Beatles break up
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $17,000Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Bridge over Troubled Water" — Simon & GarfunkelBest Picture: Patton
1980Turned 70
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1990Turned 80
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
2004Died at 94
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
Key Achievements
- His 1938 recording of 'Begin the Beguine' sold over a million copies and defined the Swing Era.
- Led one of the first racially integrated bands in the commercial music industry.
- Served as a Naval officer leading a touring band in the Pacific theater during World War II.
- His 1953 autobiography, 'The Trouble with Cinderella,' was a candid look at his disillusionment with fame.
Did You Know?
He was married eight times, including to actresses Lana Turner and Ava Gardner.
He owned a custom-made clarinet with a unique, straight barrel design.
After retiring from music, he became a successful writer and competitive fly fisherman.
“The only thing you can do is try to be yourself—whatever that is.”
