Biography

Joe Venuti is considered by many to be the first jazz violinist. Venuti began studying classical violin as a young child. His professional music career began in the early 1920s when he joined a classical orchestra. He soon joined a dance orchestra, which allowed him to begin experimenting with jazz. He is credited with inventing the syncopated swing bowing technique, and he favored fast tempos that flaunted his extraordinary ability. Venuti released dozens of albums and was also a regular player on Bing Crosby’s radio show, along with many other programs.