Woodrow Charles Herman (May 16 1913 – October 29 1987), better known as Woody Herman, was an American jazz clarinetist, alto and soprano saxophonist, singer, and big band leader. Beginnings Herman was born Woodrow Charles Thomas Herman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on May 16, 1913. [LINK: Lees] 4 His parents were Ray and Myrtle Herrman. [LINK: Lees] 5 As a child he worked as a singer in vaudeville, then became a professional saxophone player at age 15. In 1931, he met Charlotte Neste, an aspiring actress. [LINK: Clancy] 13 They later married. Woody Herman joined the Tom Gerun band and his first recorded vocals were "Lonesome Me" and "My Heart's At Ease". [LINK: Clancy] 15Herman also performed with the Harry Sosnick orchestra [LINK: Clancy] 16 and Gus Arnheim and Isham Jones. [LINK: Clancy] 17 Isham Jon