Jimmy Maxwell, 85; Jazz Trumpeter Played With Big Bands, for Radio, TV

Jimmy Maxwell, 85, a jazz trumpeter who was a mainstay of many of the leading groups in the big-band era, died July 20 at his home in Great Neck, N.Y. The cause of death was not announced.

Maxwell played in bands led by Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Woody Herman. He was with Goodman on his famous tour of Russia in 1962.

Born in Stockton, Maxwell came from a musical family. His father played clarinet and his mother violin. In high school, Maxwell played in a local band led by arranger Gil Evans.

In the 1940s, he joined the staff orchestra for CBS. He worked in radio and television for the next 30 years. He was also on staff at NBC and played in the Tonight Show Band from 1960 to 1974.

Recording for films, he was the solo trumpet on the soundtrack to the movie “The Godfather.” Maxwell also played the bagpipes and was a frequent participant in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.