Duke Heitger, one of the best classic jazz trumpet players today, is known worldwide for his warm sound, virtuosity, and unwavering devotion to early jazz styles. While in demand as an international soloist and recording artist, he reigns as one of the longest tenured bandleaders in New Orleans performing regularly on the Steamboat Natchez. Michael Steinman (Jazz Lives, NYC) says “Duke Heitger-playing or singing-makes special music, lyrical and hot.” Curt Beard (Jazz Soundings, Seattle) stated “A rare combination of musical characteristics. He plays hot... he plays sweet...he plays the blues as though there is a touch of pathos dripping from every note…”

During Heitger’s extensive touring career he has appeared alongside notable musicians including Dick Hyman, Scott Hamilton and Bucky Pizzarelli, with regular appearances at countless festivals including the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, the Ascona Jazz Festival and the Caesarea Jazz Festival in Israel as a member of the Statesmen of Jazz. He has been a featured guest on nationally syndicated radio programs such as Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion, Judy Carmichael’s Jazz Inspired, and Jim Cullum’s Live from the Riverwalk.

Well known among jazz enthusiasts through many recordings, Heitger cemented his prominence as a specialist in classic jazz styles but with the versatility to be featured on recordings by artists such as John Cleary and Maria Muldaur. His trumpet-playing and arranging is a highlight of the million selling Squirrel Nut Zippers recording  Hot, earning him both gold and platinum records.