Quick Facts
Biography
Waino Kauppi (1898-1932) was a musician who played both the cornet and the trumpet. Known as the "Boy Wonder", at age 12 Kauppi was one of the first triple-tonguing cornetists. He played as a cornet soloist for bands like the Edwin McEnelly Orchestra, the Goldman Band and, his own, Waino Kauppi Suomi Orkesteri. He had numerous records to his credit.
Early days
Waino Kauppi was born in 1898 and was an immigrant from Finland. He grew up in Maynard, Massachusetts, a factory town with a large Finnish immigrant population. He was a child prodigy and, by the age of 12, he became one of the first triple-tonguing cornetists. By 14, he was touring with bands such as Teel's Band of Boston.
Career
1924-1925: The Goldman Band
The Goldman Band was a military-style band organized by Edwin Franko Goldman. Goldman recruited "the best wind players available in New York" including Waino Kauppi who went on to play as a cornet soloist. Kauppi's solos gained exposure after being broadcast by WEAF at the Goldman Band's free nightly showings at New York University. He became known as "The Wizard of the Cornet" and by the eighth season of the shows, Kauppi purchased a red-gold Victor Cornet which he began using in all his appearances on stage. Kauppi attributed much of his success to the red-gold instrument he used. Goldman himself has proclaimed Kauppi to be the "most finished and delightful of artists on the cornet".
1925-1927: Edwin J. McEnelly Orchestra
Kauppi joined the McEnelly Orchestra as a cornet player in the year of 1925. Together the band recorded 21 sides for Victor Company. Notable songs that Kauppi worked on include "Desert Isle" and "My Sunday Girl".
1927: Waino Kauppi Suomi Orkesteri
Waino Kauppu had also created his own group of musicians in which he continued to play as solo cornetist. He produced and recorded six sides for Victor Company.
