Does Artie Shaw, the great clarinetist of the 1940s, still perform?
—Melvin D., New Jersey
Shaw, 90, known for such hits as Stardust, Moonglow, and Dancing in the Dark, has not played the clarinet publicly or privately since 1954. (His last performance can be found on the record Artie Shaw: A Legacy.) He led the Artie Shaw Orchestra on occasion until about two years ago, when he fell, breaking a hip and leg. Recovery has been slow but, "He is just about back," says Bill Curtis, manager of the 16-piece Artie Shaw Orchestra. The orchestra, led by Dick Johnson and based in Boston, still performs every week.
