Ralph Yaw

• Genres: Jazz
• Instrument: Arranger

Biography

Ralph Yaw wrote arrangements for a great many swing-era bandleaders during the '30s and '40s, including Isham Jones, Cab Calloway, Eddie Barefield, Count Basie, and Les Brown, but Yaw is best-known for his work with Stan Kenton, for whom he wrote and arranged in the early '40s. Kenton put together his first band in 1941; from the beginning, it was an "arranger's band" and Yaw took advantage. He was (along with Kenton himself) responsible for much of that early band's book, arranging and composing dozens of original pieces for the band, including the notable "Two Moods." Yaw moved to Los Angeles in 1919 and began playing piano in local and touring bands. He played piano at the Coconut Grove in Bakersfield, CA, from 1927-1934; he was also the club's manager. His career as an arranger blossomed in the '30s; besides the aforementioned, he also wrote for Johnny Richards and Red Nichols. Yaw essentially ceased his jazz activities around 1947 and subsequently embarked on a career in country music. His "No Longer a Prisoner" was a hit for singer Hank Snow. ~ Chris Kelsey, All Music Guide