So you want to play trumpet...

Meet Jerry

Meet Grammy Award-winning trumpeter horn arranger, and orchestrator, Jerry Hey.

Emerging from the Hollywood studio scene of the 1980s, Jerry revolutionized the sound of pop music through his innovative horn arrangements and performances.

His distinctive style became a signature of countless hit records and film scores. As a first-call arranger for Quincy Jones, Jerry's career includes some of the most iconic artists of the era including Michael Jackson, Brothers Johnson, Donna Summer, Rufus, George Benson, Patti Austin, James Ingram, Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, and many others.

"Best damn horn arranger on the planet!”

- Quincy Jones -

It's a Family

"Jerry’s an arranger and has done the horn charts for almost everything I’ve produced since our first time together. He’s one of a kind and, seriously, like a brother. This really is a team—it’s a family. That’s what’s always made it so emotional and rewarding. That’s why everybody always gives 150 percent, doing what they do better than they’ve ever done before—every time!

Jerry is a fantastic person, too, and he’s a real 360-degree musician who can do it all. We also did his first string arrangements together on Give Me the Night. He worked on Thriller and Off the Wall, and his spirit and talent have been present for almost everything we’ve done."

Excerpt from Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones

"Maurice White from Earth Wind and Fire grabbed him and wouldn’t let go. Jerry put new “Fire” in Earth Wind and Fire.

- David Foster -

Beginnings

There was always music around the house when I was growing up. My dad was a jazz trombone player in the style of Jack Teagarden. My mom played piano, and my older brothers played trombone and the tuba.

After high school, I went to Indiana University and was fortunate to have studied with the legendary Mr. William Adam. Those years were the foundation of everything I know about trumpet and life itself. Mr. Adam is, without a doubt, THE finest person I have ever met.

Halfway through my junior year I met Larry Hall, a great player who became my life-long best friend. He had already graduated and asked if I was interested in going to Hawaii to play in the shows with him. So I left on my 21st birthday to go to Hawaii. Read more

Get the Book!

Notes From The Past 50 Years
Notes From The Past 50 Years
$95.00
$95.00

Grammy-winning arranger Jerry Hey opens his archives for the first time in Notes From The Past 50 Years — a 250-page collection of pop excerpts written and performed throughout his legendary career. This remarkable volume features over 200 licks, accompanied by personal stories and rare images that trace his journey from his early days in Los Angeles to his most iconic sessions. In this collection Jerry shares his favorites, his most celebrated, and even some hidden musical gems.

Note: 

Most of these excerpts can be found online, allowing you to listen or play along. Tempos are approximate, and bar numbers are provided for reference when playing with a group. Rests indicate breaks between phrases. All notes are from Jerry’s recent transcriptions, not the original recordings.

Playlist: Jerry Hey Notes from the Past 50 Years

The book is spiral-bound to lay flat on music stands and printed on ivory 80 lb music paper.

"Quincy Jones fell literally in love with him and the result was earth shattering and life altering for everyone involved! These incredible, infectious brilliant lines that Jerry weaved through the biggest moments of Michael Jackson’s musical life are now part of the fabric of our daily lives."

- David Foster -

Studio Sessions

Bill Reichenbach, Jerry Hey, Michael Jackson, Bruce Swedien, Gary Grant and Kim Hutchcroft during the session for his Dangerous album.

“When I think of Jerry Hey and any of the Seawind Horns, all I can do is smile. I have never recorded a horn section such as The Jerry Hey Seawind Horns that represented a more musical experience in the studio.”

- Bruce Swedien -

“Jerry’s contribution to the arts changed the direction of the music industry. There are a lot of unbelievable trumpet players in our ears but Jerry Hey will always be in our hearts and soul forever.”

- John JR Robinson -

Family


My journey as a trumpet player has never been a solo performance—my family has been the heart of it from the very beginning.

My wife, Cindy, has been my greatest source of strength throughout. She supported my passion through countless late-night practice sessions, long hours and tired mornings that followed. Her patience, encouragement, and support kept me going. My career is not just a reflection of my hard work, but of my family’s unwavering love, encouragement and commitment.

- Jerry Hey -