Howard McGhee (March 6, 1918 – July 17, 1987)[1] was one of the first American bebop jazz trumpeters, with Dizzy Gillespie, Fats Navarro and Idrees Sulieman.

[2] During his career, he played in bands led by Lionel Hampton, Andy Kirk, Count Basie and Charlie Barnet.

He was in a club listening to the radio when he first heard Charlie Parker and was one of the earliest adopters of the new style, a fact that was disapproved by older musicians like Kid Ory.

Around this time, McGhee was a leading musician in the Los Angeles bebop scene, participating in many concerts, recording, and even managing a night club for a period.

[1] With Lorez Alexandria With Georgie Auld With Billy Eckstine With Johnny Hartman With Coleman Hawkins With Chubby Jackson With James Moody With André Previn With Mel Tormé