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Paul Tanner Dead: Trombonist and Electro-Theremin Developer Dies at 95

paul tanner glenn miller orchestra trombone electro thereminCourtesy of David Miller

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) - Paul Tanner, a trombonist with the Glenn Miller Orchestra who later played a space-age instrument on the Beach Boys hit "Good Vibrations," has died at 95.

His stepson, Douglas Darnell, of Youngstown, Ohio, says Tanner died of pneumonia Tuesday morning at an assisted living center in Carlsbad, Calif.

Tanner performed with Miller from 1938 to 1942. During his long career he also worked as a movie studio and ABC musician in California, and performed with stars that included Tex Beneke, Henry Mancini and Arturo Toscanini.

He also helped develop the electro-theramin, a keyboard-style electronic instrument. Tanner provided its eerie sound on several Beach Boys recordings, including "Good Vibrations."

Tanner also was a music professor at UCLA for 23 years and helped write several books.

Hear Paul Tanner Perform "Too Little Time"
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giblank

Paul Tanner taught music 132 A & B at UCLA. He was the highlight of my undergrad days. I can still remember him (this was 1974) spinning records at the beginning of class and talking b-ball to Marques Johnson. The only undergrad info I still retain is from his class!! What a wonderful teacher. RIP, Prof. Tanner

5 hours ago Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brennemanbelkin

A very talented man.
RIP Mr. Tanner.

7 hours ago Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ab417

RIP Paul Tanner

7 hours ago Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
billyremail

RIP . A great artist/player. What a musical era the GM Band. Old school music and songwriting is the very best (about 1940 to 1975-1980). When music was about true artistic expression and melody was personified!! All the real artists and musical innovators are joining an awesome band in heaven. Sadly, real good ***melodious*** music and such songwriting is a rare commodity anymore.

8 hours ago Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Gilbert

Yeah I heard that same eerie sound during the 8 years Bush was in office.

8 hours ago Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
HOT ROD JEFF

R.I.P.

12 hours ago Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
interactivecoach

Jimmy Page also played some whacked out theremin solos in "Dazed and Confused" (live versions)

14 hours ago Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John Switzer

Thank you, Mr. Tanner. A true golden age. Condolences to his family and friends.

17 hours ago Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
bandicoot5

It's always sad to lose real greatness. Entertainers today, just don't have the talent that the originals had!

19 hours ago Report abuse +5 rate up rate down Reply
williambeasy

Another Golden Oldie gone.

20 hours ago Report abuse +5 rate up rate down Reply