John Madrid

Who was John Madrid?

John Madrid was a jazz and pop trumpet player, active mainly from '65-'87 He is noted for his remarkable accuracy and power in the upper register but he was also capable of playing tasteful jazz solos in the middle register.

Madrid grew up in an east Los Angeles suburb, Montebello, California, graduating from Montebello High School in 1966. In high school he played with a local rock 'n roll band called 'Thee Enchantments.' His first popular high note recording to hit the charts was in the 1966 pop hit "Time Won't Let Me" by The Outsiders.

After high school John joined the Stan Kenton Orchestra, in early '69 he joined Woody Herman's big band for its annual European tour splitting the lead book with Bill Chase. In '70 he played lead with Buddy Rich's orchestra, lead with Harry James' orchestra and briefly worked with Si Zenter's big band as well in '72. In '73 he worked with Louie Bellson's big band in Los Angeles and played lead with the Orange Co. Rhythm Machine and worked with Bud Brisbois' jazz-pop group 'Butane.' Johnny was so inspired by Brisbois he named his dog 'Bud.'