George Avakian, New York City, 2010
Photo by Frank Beacham
George Avakian was born 104 years ago today.
Avakian was a record producer and executive known particularly for his work with Columbia Records, and his production of albums by Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis and other notable jazz musicians.
Born in Armavir, Russia, to Armenian parents, Avakian’s younger brother was the photographer and filmmaker, Aram Avakian (1926–1987).
Avakian attended Yale University and became an avid collector and fan of jazz music. While still at Yale he was responsible for the first reissues Columbia put out around 1940, discovering some unissued Louis Armstrong masters from his Hot Five and Hot Seven period in the process.
He later produced some of Armstrong's most important albums of the traditional jazz revival era, including Louis Armstrong Plays W. C. Handy. His annotations were noted for the education they provided to their listeners. He expanded on the concept by starting a course in jazz history in 1946 at Columbia University.
Avakian’s long tenure at Columbia Records culminated in his becoming responsible for the Popular Music and International divisions. During that time, he introduced the LP record format created by Columbia engineers and produced the industry's first 100 long-playing discs of popular music and jazz.
Avakian also produced the first live LP — Benny Goodman’s 1938 Carnegie Hall concert.
While at Columbia, Avakian signed and produced Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Johnny Mathis, Rita Reys, and Erroll Garner to the label, among others.
In 1959, he was hired as one of the founding A&R managers for the newly established Warner Bros. Records and also worked as a producer for RCA Victor.
In 1960-61, he produced recordings by Bill Haley & His Comets for Warner Bros. Records. Additionally, he signed Bob Newhart, producing the first comedy album to win a Best Album Grammy Award.
In 1962, he was responsible for organizing Benny Goodman's successful tour of the USSR. From about 1970 to 1974, Avakian was the manager of Keith Jarrett. Before this, he managed the Charles Lloyd Quartet of which Jarrett was a member.
After this, he largely retired from the record business and bred racehorses. Champion pacer, Presidential Ball, was bred by Avakian.
Avakian was a founding officer of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.
Avakian died on November 22, 2017, aged 98, at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, New York City.
Louis Armstrong, W.C. Handy and George Avakian, 1954