Donald Elliott Helfman, known professionally as Don Elliott, born on October 21, 1926, in Somerville, New Jersey, was an American jazz vibraphonist, trumpeter, mellophonist, and singer. He began his musical career playing the trumpet and mellophone before serving in the aviation branch of the United States military during World War II. Following his service, his career progressed as he performed with various jazz orchestras before forming his own group and winning multiple DownBeat readers' poll awards from 1953 to 1960. He was a pioneer in overdubbing techniques, often layering vocals, human beatboxing, and instrumental tracks. His notable achievements include the hit single “The Nutty Squirrels” with Alexander "Sascha" Burland, as well as vocal and beatbox contributions to soundtracks that include In the Heat of the Night and The Getaway. His extensive discography of more than 60 albums includes Double Trumpet Doings (1955), A Musical Offering (1956), and At the Modern Jazz Room (1956). He died on June 5, 1984, in Weston, Connecticut.
