Jazz Heritage Series Concludes on a High Note Published Nov. 29, 2011 By Tech. Sgt Tyler Kuebler The USAF Band Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, D.C. -- "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" With that famous phrase, the Tonight Show Band kicked off the ubiquitous big band theme song led by trumpet legend Doc Severinsen. For three decades, Severinsen helped expose millions of late-night television fans to world class jazz on The Tonight Show with Johhny Carson, and on Friday, Nov. 18, Doc Severinsen helped close out the 2011 Jazz Heritage Series with the USAF Band Airmen of Note. Cheered on by a full house at Lisner Auditorium on the campus of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Doc Severinsen once again created big band magic, this time backed by the premier jazz ensemble of the United States Air Force, the Airmen of Note. Resplendent in his signature dazzling wardrobe, Doc led the Note through some of the very same arrangements that made the Tonight Show Band the best big band of its day. Mirroring the same dedication to duty and selfless sacrifice exhibited by our fellow Airmen around the globe, Severinsen was able to perform despite a near career-ending injury sustained just weeks before the concert. The audience, and the Note, were none the wiser as Doc flawlessly negotiated both beautiful ballads and scorching up-tempo barn burners. Every member of the Airmen of Note was pumped up for the performance with the trumpet legend, as many of us grew up listening to him play and lead his incredible band. Senior Master Sgt. Kevin Burns, the Note's split-lead trumpet player, remarked "Doc is my trumpet hero; my biggest insiration as a young performer. Performing with him was definitely one of the highlights of my carrer! I even got to hang with him after the show, as well as have him sign my favorite album of his that greatly inspired me in high school." In case you missed this special event, please check our website for information about the broadcast in Spring 2012.