Donn Trenner
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Oral History Information
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Job Title
Musician, Keyboardist
Donn Trenner was one of the most successful pianists in the big band and Bebop jazz eras. He began his career with the popular Ted Fio Rito Orchestra beginning in 1943. He later played with bands led by Buddy Morrow, Charlie Barnet and Jerry Gray. As the Bop era developed, Donn played alongside innovators including Charlie Parker and Stan Getz, but may be best known to millions of popular music fans as the pianist behind such singers Lena Horne, Anita O’Day, Ann-Margret, and Nancy Wilson. Donn also led the house band for the Steve Allen Show on television beginning in 1960 on NBC.