Bunny Berigan

American jazz trumpeter and bandleader

Born: November 2, 1908 · Died: June 2, 1942

Famous Persons

Who was Bunny Berigan?

Roland Bernard "Bunny" Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942) was an American jazz trumpeter and bandleader who rose to fame during the swing era. Berigan was born in Hilbert, Wisconsin, the son of William Patrick Berigan and Mary Catherine (Mayme) Schlitzberg, and raised in Fox Lake. Having learned the violin and trumpet, Berigan started his career playing with local bands as a teenager, including the University of Wisconsin's jazz ensemble (although he never actually went to college). His career and influence were shortened by alcoholism which ended with his early death at the age of 33 from cirrhosis. His recordings of "I Can't Get Started" on Vocalion and "Let's Do It, Let's Fall in Love" were re-released in 1976 as part of the Columbia Records Hall of Fame series.

Historical significance

Although he composed some jazz instrumentals such as "Chicken and Waffles" and "Blues", Berigan was best known for his virtuoso jazz trumpeting. His 1937 classic recording "I Can't Get Started" on RCA Victor was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1975. After first trying out for the Hal Kemp Orchestra and being rejected he joined the band in late 1929.

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MLA

“Bunny Berigan.” thisDay, thisday.info/people/bunny-berigan/. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

APA

Bunny Berigan. (n.d.). thisDay. Retrieved November 9, 2026, from https://thisday.info/people/bunny-berigan/

Chicago

“Bunny Berigan.” thisDay. Accessed November 9, 2026. https://thisday.info/people/bunny-berigan/.

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