American jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and educator Mike Vax, born in 1942, is a prominent figure in big band jazz, known for his leadership of the Stan Kenton Orchestra from 1971-1977. Throughout his extensive career, he has performed with numerous jazz legends and continues to lead his own big bands, preserving and evolving the big band tradition. Vax's dedication to jazz education has also significantly impacted future generations of musicians.