Roland Bernard "
Bunny"
Berigan (November 2, 1908 – June 2, 1942) was an American
jazz trumpeter and bandleader who rose to fame during the
swing era, but whose career and influence were shortened by a losing battle with
alcoholism that ended with his early death at age 33 from
cirrhosis. Although he composed some jazz instrumentals like "Chicken and Waffles" and "Blues", Berigan was best known for his virtuoso jazz trumpeting. His 1937 classic recording "
I Can't Get Started" was inducted into the
Grammy Hall of Fame in 1975.