Dale Norris, 68; Played Alto Sax With Kenton, Dorsey, Mancini Bands
Dale Norris, 68, an alto saxophonist who played in the Stan Kenton Orchestra in the early 1960s and toured with the big bands of Tommy Dorsey and Henry Mancini, died of lung cancer Tuesday in Tucson.
Born in Manhattan, Kan., Norris graduated from Kansas State University with a master’s degree in music. He went on to perform and record with Kenton and the NBC Staff Orchestra in New York City, and to play with the big bands of Ralph Marterie and Buddy Morrow as well.
Norris moved to Tucson in 1965 and was a band director in middle schools there for 32 years. In May, the Tucson Jazz Society honored him with a lifetime achievement award.
Norris’ work is represented on many albums. His most recent, “Reflections,” was finished in December.
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