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Karl Herman Kiffe

1927 – 2004

American jazz drummer

Musician Jazz drummer
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About Karl Herman Kiffe

Lived 1927 – 2004 (aged 76). Karl Herman Kiffe was an American musician and jazz drummer.

Karl Kiffe (July 6, 1925 – May 10, 2004) was an American jazz drummer featured in specialty numbers in a number of Hollywood feature films during World War II and later as a featured member of Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra.

Career Born in Los Angeles, Kiffe first attracted attention as winner of the annual Gene Krupa Contest in 1943. Succeeding Chuck Falkner as leader of the Hollywood Canteen Kids, June Christy,

Speaking in 1946, when asked which drummer he most admired, Kiffe cited the solos of Buddy Rich, while praising the big band work of Don Lamond and Jo Jones.

Personal life In 1958, Kiffe married Carol Jean Beall in Las Vegas. They had two children. He was also a great friends of the musician and saxophonist Warne Marsh.

Filmography Film Johnny Doughboy (1942) Song of the Open Road (1944) Youth Aflame (1944) Jimmy Dorsey's Varieties (1952)

Television Stars of Jazz (With Red Norvo, April 21, 1958) The Ed Sullivan Show (with Benny Goodman, November 6, 1960)

Discography As sideman With Jimmy Dorsey At the 400 Restaurant 1946 (HEP, 1994; rec. 1946) Casino Gardens Ballroom 1946 (HEP, 1999; rec. 1946) More (Jazz Crusade, 1950) One Night Stand with Jimmy Dorsey at the Statler (Joyce, 198_; rec. November 1951) The Swingin' Dorseys (Decca, 195_)

With others Georgie Auld, That's Auld (Discovery, 1950) Don Stratton, Modern Jazz With Dixieland Roots (ABC-Paramount, 1956) Red Norvo, Windjammer City Style (Dot, 1958) Pee Wee Russell, Portrait of Pee Wee (Counterpoint, 1958) Tommy Vig, The Tommy Vig Orchestra (Take V, 1965) Helen Humes Midsummer Night's Songs (RCA, 1974)

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Important facts

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Karl Kiffe

People in Karl Herman Kiffe's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Karl Herman Kiffe?

American jazz drummer (1927-2004)

When was Karl Herman Kiffe born?

Karl Herman Kiffe was born on 6 July 1927 in Los Angeles.

When did Karl Herman Kiffe die?

Karl Herman Kiffe died on 10 May 2004 in Las Vegas.

What was Karl Herman Kiffe's occupation?

Karl Herman Kiffe was a musician and jazz drummer.

What nationality was Karl Herman Kiffe?

Karl Herman Kiffe was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Karl Herman Kiffe

· Wikidata: Q15440623

· DBpedia: Karl Kiffe

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Karl Herman Kiffe. https://biography.guide/karl-herman-kiffe/

MLA: "Karl Herman Kiffe." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/karl-herman-kiffe/.

Chicago: "Karl Herman Kiffe." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/karl-herman-kiffe/.

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