Hugo Strasser is Munich's most prominent clarinetist and band leader, as well as a world-renowned swing jazz legend. Garnering his first public music appearance on the radio at age 7 (with a harmonica solo), Strasser began his musical career early. Enrolling at the Academy of Music in Munich at the age of 16, Strasser was unfortunately unable to complete his education after he was drafted into the army. However, because of his musical prowess, Strasser was not required to participate in combat and instead was able to hone his sound while playing all over the world. In 1955, Strasser founded his first band, a 16-piece swing act, which was popular on Bavarian radio. Decades later, Strasser is still active on the swing scene and his current act is backed by The Hot Five, a jazzy quintet.
