Maynard Furgeson R.I.P.

[funneman]

The M.F. horn is silent.


http://www.nbc6.net/entertainment/9732522/detail.html

 

[Michaelson]

Rest in peace. You had a lip that was made of pure gold!!!!

Regards! Michaelson

 

[funneman]

Hey Michaelson

I once heard a story that Ferguson had some or all of his teeth removed and replaced with false teeth because it allowed him to hit an extra octive higher on the trumpet. Can you confirm or deny?

 

[Willi_Goat]

I saw Maynard Furgeson in the early '80s. Our band director told us about the concert and a few of us joined him in going to the show. Rest in Peace Mr. Furgeson, may your horn compliment the chior of angels.

 

[jake_fink]

Ferguson was playing professionally with the CBC orchestra when he was 11 years old! He was one of the greats.

 

[FedoraGent]

I was pretty sad when I heard this. We are losing "our" musicians from the Golden Era and our actresses. It's a shame but it was bound to happen. Maynard was extremely talented and I was unfortunately not able to see him live . RIP Maynard.

 

[Katt in Hat]

Another story but not flattering was that he'd switch mouthpieces to hit high notes

I once heard a story that Ferguson had some or all of his teeth removed and replaced with false teeth because it allowed him to hit an extra active higher on the trumpet. Can you confirm or deny?

I tend to doubt this too.

 

[Solid Citizen]

Maynard Trumpet God

To young high school & college muscians Maynard was a virtual trumpet God!

1. His Roulette Records "Birdland Series" of the 1960's cemented his legend

2. Concerts by Maynard were always a sellout for the King of the Double High C's

3. Maynard Furgeson was ACCESSIBLE his involvement in young student muscian clinics never stopped. Maynard cared!!!

4. At concerts he loved to introduce band members to the audience stressing their individual music background/training. In other words what it takes to become a professional 1st chair player.

SC

PS Maynard's Credo Practice, Practice, Practice

 

[Sweet Leilani]

I once heard a story that Ferguson had some or all of his teeth removed and replaced with false teeth because it allowed him to hit an extra octive higher on the trumpet. Can you confirm or deny?

I don't think that is true, but I can see how the story started. Teeth and jaw placement are crucial to playing in the upper register. We have a guy nearby that actually files the front teeth of his students so they can play better. I think that's quite extreme; I never encourage my students to change what nature gave them just to play the trumpet!

I was fortunate to see Maynard several times (once with Jon Faddis- that was a high note extravaganza!) and he was touring almost to the end. That and his committment to education are part of what inspired me to become a professional musician. RIP, big guy.

 

[Solid Citizen]

Maynard Teeth Story

I heard this story back in HS in the mid 1960's. Story/rumor went that Maynard was playing in a club & a drunk got up swinging hitting him in the mouth while playing his horn, knocking out some teeth???

SC

PS Interesting to see that this Maynard tale made the rounds!