Gil Askey
American-born musician, composer, producer and musical director
About Gil Askey
Lived 1925 – 2014 (aged 89). Gil Askey was an American jazz musician, conductor and composer.
Gilbert Askey (March 9, 1925 – April 9, 2014) was an American jazz trumpeter, composer, producer and musical director who was born in Austin, Texas, and emigrated to Australia in 1988.
Early and personal life Askey was born in Austin, Texas, on March 9, 1925. He left home at the age of 17.
He performed with jazz musicians including Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington and Count Basie, and even did a duet with Billie Holiday.
In Melbourne, Askey taught and mentored young aspiring musicians. He also toured and played many regular gigs and jazz spots around the country until his death.
In 2025, Askey was inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame.
Discography
Arranger, trumpet - Freddie McCoy Lonely Avenue - 1965 Arranger, Band Leader, Conductor - The Supremes at the Copa - 1965 Arranger - Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing and Perform "Funny Girl" - 1968 Arranger, Conductor, Musical Direction - Diana Ross and the Supremes "Farewell" - 1970 Conductor - Diana Ross "Lady Sings the Blues Soundtrack" - 1972
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Important facts
People in Gil Askey's life
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Gil Askey?
American-born musician, composer, producer and musical director (1925-2014)
When was Gil Askey born?
Gil Askey was born on 9 March 1925 in Austin.
When did Gil Askey die?
Gil Askey died on 9 April 2014 in Melbourne.
What was Gil Askey's occupation?
Gil Askey was a jazz musician, conductor and composer.
What nationality was Gil Askey?
Gil Askey was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Gil Askey. https://biography.guide/gil-askey/
MLA: "Gil Askey." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/gil-askey/.
Chicago: "Gil Askey." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/gil-askey/.
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