Al's Funeral

     I attended Al Hirt's funeral on Saturday, and many musicians, as well
as public luminaries were there. His name is Alois Hirt, but the little sign
outside his parlor bore his name Al 'Jumbo' Hirt. He was laid out with a
cigar in his hand. There was no live music played, but there were some of
Al's recordings played in the chapel.
      While we were in the chapel, waiting for the service to begin, Al's
recording of "And The Angels Sing" was played. He did it a la Ziggy Elman on
the last chorus, except Al played a few more notes than Ziggy...well, maybe
just a couple more than a few. This was followed by Al's recording of Sleepy
Time Down South, trumpet solo with orchestral accompaniment. Just before the
communion was passed out, Al's recording of Ave Maria came on. By the time
it finished, there was hardly a dry eye in the place.
As we were leaving the chapel, The Carnival of Venice played. I had never
heard Al play it before, and I always thought Harry James had the premier
performance of that one. As was Harry's version, Al's was flawless.

The mass, BTW, was said by none other that the Archbishop of the
Diocese, Archbishop Hannon (retired). He told a few stories about Al during
his career. He told of the time he asked if Al's calendar was clear for Sept
20. Al asked what he needed. The Archbishop replied, "The Holy Father is
coming to New Orleans, and I'd like you to play Ave Maria for him."
Without even checking, Al replied "The calendar is clear...I'll be there!"

Al had eight children, all by his first wife, and many grandchildren.

The burial was private.

Pat Cooke

Yeah!! And he played the last variation of "Carnival Of Venice" with ONE
finger...all you cornet/trumpet players out there will know what I mean. I
saw him do it at "The Cloisters" in Hollywood in 1961. What a show-man!!!
Absolutely awesome!! Are there any stronger words in the English language???

Bob Romans

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