Herbert B. Wise Sr. of Milford passed away February 27, 2025, at an assisted living, Williamsport, Pa. He was born on November 25, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and was the son of Herbert L. and Ruth Wise.
He was a graduate of Roosevelt High School, Cedar Rapids. Herbert was a member of the American Federation of Musicians, New York City. He was a horticulturist, poet, writer, and a whisper horseback rider supreme.
Herb grew up in Cedar Rapids and started playing the trombone in the school band at age 12 and playing professionally in the pit band of the Iowa Theater at 13. At 15 he played several times at Galesburg Club with Jimmy Adams Band from Cedar Rapids.
The bands with which Herb Wise performed as lead trombonist reads like a “who’s who” in the music world. Included were Maynard Ferguson, Henry Mancini, Nelson Riddle, Quincy Jones, Doc Severinson, Woody Herman, Skitch Henderson, Buddy Morrow, Les Elgart and Charlie Barnet. Herb played live performances with The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Sammy Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Jerry Lewis, Red Skelton, Ella Fitzgerald, Vic Damone, and Barbara Streisand. He recorded with Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Charlie Barnet, Andy Williams and Doc Severinson, among others. Herb also recorded jingles for McDonald’s, Budweiser, and United Airlines.
Herb performed live recordings with Andy Williams, Percy Faith, Mitch Miller, Ray Charles, Gene Shaw, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Washington. The big break in Herb’s career occurred in1966 when he was invited to become the lead trombonist on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He performed with “The Tonight Show” band for four years.
In addition to his wife, Barbara, he is survived by a son, Herbert B. Wise Jr., whereabouts unknown; a daughter, Cindy (Earl) Van Horn, in Milford; one grandson, August Anderson and his wife Josie Castillo of Montoursville; a granddaughter, Laila Grace Wise of Tempe, Ariz.; two great grandchildren, Auggie Anderson and Alex Anderson, of Montoursville. He was predeceased by three daughters from a previous relationship, Carla L. Wise, Sandra Kay Wise, and Cecila L. Wise.
Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Arrangements were by Kaufman Funeral Home &Cremation Services, Williamsport.
Online condolences may be made on Herbert’s memorial page at kaufmanfuneralhomes.com.