May 16, 1913: Big band leader Woody Herman was born in Milwaukee on May 16, 1913. Herman was a child prodigy in Milwaukee, singing and dancing in vaudeville acts beginning at age six. While in high school, he began touring with various big bands and finally formed his own band in 1936. In 1986, the year before he died, Herman celebrated 50 years as a band leader. Shortly before his death, Herman received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy.