Harry Betts joined the Stan Kenton Band right after leaving the US Air Force following WWII. In 1953 he settled in Hollywood where he supported his family by doing studio dates. One of the best was a Pete Rugolo/Four Freshmen album, "Four Freshmen and Five Trombones." Many of his friends were on that one, including George Roberts. [Ed. note: This recording is still available.]

Betts studied arranging for a short time, mainly to learn how to time film scores. Ninety-eight percent of Harry's writing has been self-taught--"for better or worse!" as he says.

The writing gradually took over--"just about the time my lip was giving out--worked out just fine." Betts received a Grammy Award in 1980. But he says his biggest thrill was the 100 Trombone concert in Tokyo in 1997. "A hard act to follow!"

Harry tells us, "I do miss my playing, but I get a kick out of visiting my friends in BonesWest."