Rhapsody in blue
Craig has REMASTERED in 2024 his 1970 hit album for the 100th anniversary.
America’s 15 year-old piano phenomenon conceived and performed the 1st modernized adaptation of “Rhapsody in Blue.”
Complete with kick-ass big band, electric guitar, & symphony further energizing Gershwin’s iconic salute to the USA.
Craig Huxley, (FKA Craig Hundley) brought jazz/rock, bossa nova and funky soul into the mix.
Listen to the album here: https://tr.ee/Mj1_loWfU7
Already a Billboard charting artist, Craig’s third teen jazz album was his orchestral jazz/rock adaptation of “Rhapsody in Blue” in 1970 (when he was only 15.)
Craig seen here in front of the famous Sequeiros painting, while visiting Ira Gershwin’s home (brother & legendary songwriting partner of George.) Ira gives his blessing to teen Craig’s ambitious efforts.
All 3 records were produced by Dick Bock, producer of Ravi Shankar & Chet Baker.
Craig toured America with his unique hip version of “Rhapsody in Blue” along with playing Bach, Bartók, & Tchaikovsky. And he played in concert with Michael Tilson Thomas.
Ira Gershwin gives Craig his blessing. Dizzy Gillespie mentor’s “the young giant” backstage while Craig headlined Madison Square Garden.
Craig’s trio co-headlined concerts with Deep Purple. As Guest Star with Bill Cosby at Notre Dame University, all across America with Pat Boone & Debbie Boone. And a cross country tour with Johnny Mathis.
Craig appeared regularly on “The Tonight Show” and on “The Jonathan Winters CBS TV Show.”
Craig was interviewed by Regis Philbin, and often Co-Hosted “The Mike Douglas Show.”
His own modernized adaptation of Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue” was showcased with major symphonies and on network primetime broadcasts.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————-———————-——————
Craig’s piano trio (Age 14)
In 1968 Craig led his youthful jazz combo, The Craig Hundley Trio, to victory at The Hollywood Bowl. Followed by a Billboard #5 Jazz Album, “Arrival of a Young Giant”.
On Labor Day, 1968:
At 7am, Craig interviewed by Barbara Walters, & performed on “The Today Show.”
At 12noon, performed live on the “Jerry Lewis Telethon.”
At 8pm, won the crown on the finale of “NBC Primetime Showcase.” (Winner, tied with Sly and the Family Stone)
At 11:30pm, the trio opened for 30 min on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson.”
The trio consisted of Craig on piano, J.J. Wiggins on bass, and Gary Chase on drums. Later adding Mayuto on Brazilian percussion & Larry Carlton on guitar, .
Craig’s first album (1968) was titled “Arrival of a Young Giant.” It featured Craig’s signature twist of taking beloved classical pieces (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Chopin) and transforming them into pop songs and Great American Songbook.
The second album (1969) was “Craig Hundley Plays with the Big Boys” and included an big band arranged by Don Sebesky, with guests Bud Shank, Larry Carlton and Lee Ritenour on guitars.
A third orchestral album (1970) was “Rhapsody in Blue.” All 3 albums were released by World Pacific Records.
All 3 were produced by Dick Bock, who also produced Chet Baker, George Duke, and Ravi Shankar.
Complete list of Craig’s 100+ music contributions in TV/Film: IMDb.me/craighuxley
——————————————————————————————————————————————————-———————-——————
Prodigy meets President:
Los Angeles Times front page… 1965
At age 11 Craig exchanged letters with President Lyndon Johnson (LBJ), which led to his being flown to Washington D.C. with CA Governor Brown.
Craig was chaperoned by Senator Pierre Salinger (who had the prior year been JFK’s Press Secretary.)
Craig met with the President, sat on the Senate floor, and appeared on TV and radio news delivering his on-screen report each day. He offered his youthful bird’s-eye view of the Inauguration on ABC TV primetime news.
All photography © Craig Huxley
