Song of the Day: Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Take Five”

General 1 Minute

Alto saxophonist and composer Paul Desmond was born on this day in 1924. He was best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for his composition “Take Five,” which was released on the Quartet’s 1959 album Time Out. It became a surprise hit in 1961 and is the best-selling jazz single ever. It reached #25 on the Hot 100, #5 on the Easy Listening chart, #6 in the UK, #8 in New Zealand, #7 in Australia, and #5 in the Netherlands. Since Desmond’s death in 1977, he assigned the profits from his compositions to the American Red Cross, which receives upwards of $100,000 a year from them.

Published by John Holton

Internet disc jockey, lover of old TV (especially the commercials), inveterate wise guy.

Published

7 thoughts on “Song of the Day: Dave Brubeck Quartet, “Take Five””

  1. Pingback: The Almost-December Week That Was – The Sound of One Hand Typing

  2. Hi John – love that cover … but of course his music is special … they were a great group. Cheers and good to hear – Hilary

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