Marty Marsala

Martin Samuel Marsala, known professionally as Marty Marsala, was an American jazz trumpeter born in Chicago on April 2, 1908. He died on April 27, 1975.

Marsala began his professional life not as a trumpeter but as a drummer, playing in Chicago bands led by Joe Bananas and Red Feilen. During the 1920s he transitioned to the trumpet and spent years working as a freelance musician in Chicago before joining his brother Joe Marsala's band in New York City, where he played from 1936 to 1941. Alongside that work, he contributed to sessions with Bob Howard and Tempo King in 1937 and 1938. He also performed with the Will Hudson Orchestra during this period. From 1926 to 1946, his professional path intersected repeatedly with his brother Joe's, spanning both New York City and Chicago.

In 1942, Marsala joined the band that performed under Chico Marx's name, remaining with the group through 1943. The ensemble was technically directed by Ben Pollack but billed publicly under Marx. He was then inducted into the United States Army, serving from 1944 to 1945. Following his discharge, he toured frequently between San Francisco and Chicago, performing dixieland alongside his brother, Miff Mole, and Tony Parenti. His reputation grew considerably on the West Coast during these years, and he became a particularly well-regarded figure in California jazz circles. He also shared stages with Earl Hines and Sidney Bechet in various club settings.

In 1946, Marsala appeared on Broadway in the play Hear That Trumpet, his sole credited Broadway appearance. In 1955 he relocated permanently to San Francisco, where he led his own groups and recorded with Kid Ory and Earl Hines. His health declined during the 1960s, and he retired from performing in 1965. He never recorded under his own name.