George Roberts, Mr. Bass Trombone is one of the most beloved personalities in the music world. The man whose sound we so easily recognize in movies, records and television, is also the man who virtually single-handedly brought the Bass Trombone from its last low trombone status, to the forefront as a solo instrument which could stand alone and sound wonderful. Born: March 22, 1928 in Des Moines, Iowa. Died: September 28, 2014 in Fallbrook, California.