Arranger, composer, musician and bandleader, Eddie Graf was widely regarded throughout his lengthy career as one of North America’s most gifted and versatile musical arrangers, as well as an accomplished clarinetist, saxophonist, and bandleader.
Born into a musical family during the Great Depression, he began writing arrangements for local groups at an early age. His career continued through the Second World War, where he entertained troops overseas as a member of The Royal Canadian Regiment Band.
During the Big Band Era, Graf was deeply influenced by the clarinet styles of Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman, as well as the work of renowned arrangers from radio, television, and stage. He also drew inspiration from classical masters, including Bach, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, and Debussy.
As an arranger, he was a master of reimagining the works of luminaries like Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, and Cole Porter, imbuing them with unprecedented imagination and flair to create music that was both playful and deeply resonant.
His artistry is perhaps best captured in his 1971 Canadian Talent Library album, And I Love Her, released on the RCA Victor label. This recording stands as a testament to his unique ability to blend technical precision with genuine musical charm.
Throughout his career, Graf’s work earned the respect of legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Petula Clark, Jack Jones, Rich Little, and Dinah Christie. His arrangements were featured in countless radio, television, and stage productions across North America and abroad.
Among his many honors, Graf received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Toronto Musicians’ Association and the American Federation of Musicians, as well as being named Musician of the Year by the Canadian Band Association.
After a lifetime dedicated to his craft, Edwin John Graf passed away peacefully at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre on September 26, 2017, at the age of 96. A true devotee to his art, he continued to play music until shortly before his passing.