Woody Herman
Birth Name:
Woodrow Charles Herman
Birth Date:
May 16, 1913
Birth Place:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Death Date:
October 29, 1987
Place of Death:
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
Age:
74
Cause of Death:
Complications from congestive heart failure, emphysema, and pneumonia
Cemetery Name:
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Claim to Fame:
Music
Woody Herman (1913–1987) was a major figure in American jazz, known for leading a series of innovative big bands over five decades. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he was a child performer in vaudeville before turning to music full-time, mastering the clarinet and saxophone. Herman rose to prominence in the 1930s and 1940s with his orchestra, “The Herd,” which became famous for blending swing with more modern, experimental sounds. Unlike many bandleaders of his era, he embraced change, incorporating elements of bebop and later jazz styles, and nurturing young talent such as Stan Getz and Zoot Sims. His bands produced hits like “Woodchopper’s Ball” and “Caldonia,” and were known for their energetic, blues-infused style. Herman remained active as a performer and bandleader until his death in 1987, leaving a legacy as a forward-thinking musician who helped bridge the swing era and modern jazz.
Cemetery Information:
Final Resting Place:
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, California, 90038
USA
North America
Map:
Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California
Grave Location:
Outside Cathedral Wall Unit, Plot: U10/6/689 (disputed)Grave Location Description
As you enter the cemetery make the first left and drive all the way around the lake to the massive Cathedral Mausoleum. The pictures attached show Woody Herman buried in a simple cremation wall unit on the outside of the mausoleum on the east side. However cemetery records show Mr. Herman in a full casket wall crypt on the west side of the mausoleum. Any assistance to clarify his final resting place is greatly appreciated.
Grave Location GPS
34.087768, -118.316986Visiting The Grave:
Photos:
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FAQ's
Woody Herman was born on May 16, 1913.
Woody Herman was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Woody Herman died on October 29, 1987.
Woody Herman died in Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
Woody Herman was 74.
The cause of death was Complications from congestive heart failure, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Woody Herman's grave is in Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Read More About Woody Herman:
Videos Featuring Woody Herman:
Woody Herman Live in England 1964.
Woody Herman & His Swingin' Herd - Woodchopper's Ball
Woody Herman And His Orchestra "Caldonia" on The Ed Sullivan Show
See More:
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