This versatile multi-instrumentalist appeared on more than 300 different recordings between 1934 and 1980, and is particularly associated with the legacy of the Dorsey Brothers' bands, in which Arthur Skeets Herfurt was often at the crux of some unique instrumental combination. He came from the "mile high" city of Denver, Colorado and took part in a variety of local bands at the University of Colorado circa the early '30s. Smith Ballew was the first professional bandleader to hire him in 1934, but later that same year a collaboration had also been established with the Dorsey Brothers. In 1936, Herfurt was comparing reed sizes with Jimmy Dorsey alone; the following year he began a two-year stint with trombonist/sibling Tommy Dorsey.

In between there were short engagements with groups such as George Stoll His Orchestra, and bandleader Ray Noble. Herfurt settled on the west coast as a new base of actions by the late '30s, hooking into the Alvino Rey group until army mobilization in 1944. His career continued with studio work, then via a job with Benny Goodman that began in the icy winter of 1946. Herfurt became one of Goodman's on-again, off-again associates, showing up in groups the swing clarinetist put together in the '60s and '70s as well. Other activities included a group that Herfurt led on his own, as well as a continuing series of studio dates. He shows up on sides by many great vocalists from the '50s -- Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney, to pick a pair. A large chunk of his studio recording took place under the aegis of Frank DeVol His Orchestra. Herfurt was also involved with arranger and bandleader Billy May for several years. ~ Eugene Chadbourne, Rovi