Abe Most

Abe Most (February 27, 1920 – October 10, 2002) was a swing clarinetist, alto saxophonist and flutist who is known for his performances and recordings of the works of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman. He began his career in 1939 as a member of Les Brown's big band. After serving three years in the US Army during World War II from 1942-1945, he became a member of Tommy Dorsey's big band.

Most made a few albums with smaller labels, including Superior (1946), Trend (1954), Annunciata (1978) and Camard (1984). His last two albums were Abe Most Live! (1994) and I Love You Much Too Much (2007). He was a studio musician for seven decades, playing on albums by Earth, Wind & Fire, Ted Gärdestad, Dick Haymes, Joni Mitchell, Randy Newman, and Dory Previn among others. He can also be heard playing on the soundtrack of the film How to Marry a Millionaire. He is the older brother of jazz musician Sam Most.

Birth and Death Data: Born February 27, 1920 (New York City (most populous city in the United States)), Died October 10, 2002 (Los Angeles (seat of Los Angeles County, and largest city in California, United States) )

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1958

Roles Represented in DAHR: clarinet

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca L 10829 2/25/1958 Pottsville, U.S.A. Billy Bean ; John (Johnny) Pisano instrumentalist, clarinet  
Decca L 10830 2/25/1958 Dinglebird Billy Bean ; John (Johnny) Pisano instrumentalist, clarinet  
Decca L 10831 2/25/1958 Half breed Billy Bean ; John (Johnny) Pisano instrumentalist, clarinet  
Decca L 10832 2/25/1958 Pastorale Billy Bean ; John (Johnny) Pisano instrumentalist, clarinet  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Most, Abe," accessed December 24, 2025, http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/332769.

Most, Abe. (2025). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved December 24, 2025, from http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/332769.

"Most, Abe." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2025. Web. 24 December 2025.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: http://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/332769

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