From my early years learning to play the trumpet back in the mid '60s, to today, Carl "Doc" Severinsen has been one of my all-time favorite people.

Even beyond his virtuoso musicianship, he is a model of professionalism and embodies the qualities of a fine human being. When people talk about "role models", they should be talking about Doc Severinsen.

It's hard to imagine a world without Doc. He's been a part of our lives since forever. It'll be a very sad day when he leaves us. But I'm looking forward to hearing him play on his 90th birthday. That will be an event! (When can I buy my tickets?)