Al Klink

• Born: December 28, 1915, Danbury, CT
• Died: March 07, 1991, Bradenton, FL
• Active: '50s
• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Sax (Tenor)

Biography

Although few realize it, most people have heard Al Klink's tenor literally hundreds of times; he can be heard trading off with fellow tenor Tex Beneke on the famous version of Glenn Miller's "In The Mood!" Klink, a much better jazz improviser than Beneke, unfortunately never received any real fame. Klink was with Miller's Orchestra during its main years (1939-42) but was rarely featured. After Miller went into the military, Klink worked with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. He became a studio musician when the swing era ended and was little heard from in jazz circles other than his playing with the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra during 1952-53. Klink re-emerged in 1974 when he became an occasional member of the World's Greatest Jazz Band. He had opportunities to record with Glenn Zottola and George Masso in the late 1970's for the Famous Door label and was active until retiring to Florida in the mid-1980's. Al Klink's only record date as a leader resulted in six titles for a 1955 Grand Award album that he shared with Bob Alexander. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide