Willie Berg; Big Band Expert Created ‘Stoneline Mute’

Willie Berg, 80, creator of the “stoneline mute” and other musical instrument accessories and an expert on big bands. He founded his company, Humes & Berg Co., in East Chicago in 1938 after bandleader and trumpeter Harry James walked into his music store and said, “Somebody’s got to make a mute that’s in tune.” Berg came up with his version of the cone-shaped device used by brass players to soften sound. He also befriended bandleader Glenn Miller, who took Berg’s “stoneline mute” around the world performing for troops during World War II. Personally acquainted with other big band leaders including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Al Hirt, Berg also made instrument accessories for their players. On Feb. 15 in Chicago.