Severinsen began his career playing with the big bands of the 1940s. He joined Johnny Carson's "The Tonight Show" in 1962 and became its music director five years later.

"Doc Severinsen is absolutely one of a kind," Minnesota Orchestra president and CEO Tony Woodcock told the AP. "He has held many roles here — trumpeter, conductor, educator, showman and all-around personality — and has embraced each of them with unparalleled style and enthusiasm. He has a tremendous connection with our audiences, and this will be his legacy in Minnesota: a true musician who found his greatest joy in sharing music with colleagues and audiences."