When Buddy played, he played all out, all the time. It was a wonder he didn't keel over and die before he did.

He is referred to in the 1987 film Good Morning Vietnam in a broadcast made by Lieutenant Hauk (Bruno Kirby). He is best remembered for his million selling recordings of "Java" and the accompanying album Honey in the Horn (1963) and for the theme song to The Green Hornet. Hirt had eight children ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Al Hirt (November 7 1922 – April 27 1999) was an American trumpeter and bandleader. Al was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in November 2009.