Al Hirt was born Alois Maxwell Hirt on November 7, 1922 in New
Orleans, Louisiana. He died of liver failure on April 27, 1999 at the of
76. Prior to becoming a Grammy Award winning recording artist (for his
hit Java), the trumpet virtuoso toured with the likes of Jimmy Dorsey and Tommy Dorsey, Ray McKinley and Horace Heidt. He even formed own Dixieland combo with Pete Fountain in the late 1950s.
Despite the British Music Invasion happening, Al Hirt managed to hit the charts a total of 15 times between 1964 and 1969, including his top five debut.
Treasure Island Oldies is keeping the feel of the Instrumental Gems Wordless Wonders Special alive as we present Voice Your Choice with Al Hirt. Cast your vote at the Voice Your Choice page for either Cotton Candy or Sugar Lips. I'll play the winner on next week's show.