The WDR Big Band, whose origins date back to August 1946, is a jazz big band affiliated with German public broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in Cologne. Initially led by Kurt Edelhagen, the band gained prominence through its broadcasts and recordings until Edelhagen's departure in 1972. The orchestra was later renamed WDR Big Band in 1980 and continued to evolve under musical director Jerry van Rooyen from 1985 to 1994. In 2016 the band has been led by Bob Mintzer as chief conductor and Vince Mendoza as the band's "Composer in Residence." The WDR Big Band Köln has collaborated with numerous jazz musicians and released several notable albums, including "Some Skunk Funk" (2005) and Avant Gershwin (2007). The band has received multiple Grammy Awards, including 'Best Album by a large jazz ensemble' for "Some Skunk Funk" in 2006.
