Gus Bivona

Gus Bivona (November 25, 1915 – January 5, 1996) was an American reed player — covering a range of clarinets, saxophones and flute — at the height of the big band era.

His professional debut was in a band led by Spider Johnson, followed by dates all around New England in Leo Scalzi's Brunswick Orchestra.

This included a period with Benny Goodman from the fall of 1940 through the spring of 1941, just in time to match wits with the sizzling electric guitar solos of Charlie Christian.

Once he connected with Allen, the two would occasionally hit the concert trail, including a lengthy club residency at the Roundtable in New York City.

The pair collaborated on many other West Coast jazz recordings, always in the company of many of the top studio players and arrangers, such as Skip Martin, Henry Mancini and Pete Rugolo.

Gus Bivona and Steve Allen
Gus Bivona
In a recording session.
Gus Bivona
The Will Hudson Orchestra
Promotional Picture
Gus Bivona
Promotional Picture
In a recording session.
The Bob Crosby Orchestra @ Paramount Theatre circa 1947
Gus Bivona
MGM's anniversary celebration of 1953