Ross Gorman

Ross Gorman
Background information
Birth nameJohn Ross Smeed Gorman
BornNovember 18, 1890
Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedFebruary 27, 1953 (aged 62)
GenresJazz
InstrumentsClarinet

John Ross Smeed Gorman (November 18, 1890 – February 27, 1953) was an American jazz clarinetist, bandleader, and multi-instrumentalist. Gorman is best remembered for his work with Paul Whiteman, particularly his famous clarinet glissando for Rhapsody in Blue, on which he also played oboe, bass clarinet, and saxophone. The glissando came as the result of an experiment by Gorman, who, according to Whiteman's violinist Kurt Dieterlie, was known for his ability to "make incredibly odd sounds with his instrument."