Did Paul Newman Actually Play the Trombone in Paris Blues?

By Robert Palmer

Paris Blues is a 1961 movie directed by Martin Ritt that revolves around two jazz musicians, Eddie Cook played by Sidney Poitier, and Ram Bowen played by Paul Newman. They both fall in love with American tourists, Lillian and Connie, played by Joanne Woodward and Diahann Carroll, respectively.

One of the most memorable scenes from the movie is when Ram Bowen, played by Paul Newman, performs a trombone solo at a Parisian club. The scene is so captivating that many viewers have wondered if it was actually Newman playing the instrument or if it was dubbed over with someone else’s playing.

The Truth About Paul Newman’s Trombone Performance

The truth is that Paul Newman did actually play the trombone in Paris Blues. However, he was not an accomplished musician before filming began. In fact, he had never even picked up a trombone before being cast for the role of Ram Bowen.

To prepare for his character’s musical performances, Newman took lessons from Trummy Young, a renowned jazz trombonist who had worked with Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman. Young also appeared in the movie as himself and can be seen performing alongside Newman in several scenes.

Newman’s Dedication to Learning the Trombone

Newman was dedicated to learning how to play the trombone for his role in Paris Blues. He practiced for hours every day leading up to filming and even continued practicing during breaks on set.

In an interview with The New York Times in 1961, Newman said:

“I’ve been practicing eight hours a day. I’m taking lessons from Trummy Young and doing all I can to learn how to play like a professional.”

Despite his lack of experience, Newman’s performance in the movie was impressive. He was able to play the trombone well enough to convince viewers that he was an accomplished musician.

Newman’s Love for Music

Newman’s dedication to learning the trombone for his role in Paris Blues was not entirely surprising. He had a love for music and had even played piano as a child. In fact, he later went on to form a band called The Salty Dogs, where he played piano and sang.

In Conclusion

So, did Paul Newman actually play the trombone in Paris Blues Yes, he did. While he may not have been an accomplished musician before filming began, his dedication and hard work paid off, resulting in a memorable performance that added to the charm of the movie.

  • Key Takeaways:
    • Paul Newman did actually play the trombone in Paris Blues.
    • He took lessons from Trummy Young to prepare for his role.
    • Newman practiced for hours every day leading up to filming.
    • His performance in the movie was impressive, despite his lack of experience.

If you haven’t seen Paris Blues yet, it’s definitely worth checking out. The movie features great performances from its cast and provides a snapshot of American expatriates living in Paris during the 1960s.