Jack Teagarden

• Name — Jack Teagarden • Birth Name — Weldon Leo Teagarden • Born — 20 August 1905 • Birthplace — Vernon, Texas, U.S. • Died — 15 January 1964 • Place of death — New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. • Genre — * Jazz • Dixieland • Swing • Big Band • Occupation — Musician • Instrument — * Trombone • Vocals • Years Active — 1920–1964 • Website — https: jackteagarden.com/ • Past Member Of — * Cotton Bailey's dance and jazz band • Peck Kelley's ensemble • Ben Pollack band • Paul Whiteman's orchestra • Louis Armstrong's All-Stars

Jack Teagarden was born in Vernon, Texas, the oldest of four children. His siblings also pursued musical careers: Charlie played trumpet, Norma played piano, and Clois ("Cub") played drums. Teagarden's father, Charles, worked in the oil fields and played cornet part-time, while his mother, Helen, was a semi-professional pianist who accompanied silent films in local theaters. Charles encouraged Teagarden to play the baritone horn. At age eight, Jack received his first trombone as a Christmas gift, transitioning from the tenor-valve horn to the trombone. His first public performances were in his local theaters, helping his mother provide music for silent films. After his father's death, the family moved to Chappell, Nebraska where he and his mother continued working in theaters. Teagarden, who had relatively short arms, avoided a traditional "tailgate" approach in which trombonists played with abundant glissandos. Instead, he compensated with exceptional embouchure control and trumpet-like phrasing, which distinguished him from other players. Teagarden became the youngest member of the Paul Goetze Band at age 11.

• Illustration — From left: Jack Teagarden, Sandy DeSantis, Velma Middleton, Fraser MacPherson, Cozy Cole, Arvell Shaw, Earl Hines, Barney Bigard, Palomar Supper Club, Vancouver, B.C., Canada (March 17, 1951) At the age of 16, Teagarden began playing the trombone professionally in San Antonio as a member of Cotton Bailey's dance and jazz band. During his early career, Teagarden played at such venues as the Horn Palace in San Antonio, where he formed a close bond with clarinetist George Hill. After his time with Bailey's band, Teagarden joined Peck Kelley's ensemble, a group that included several of his close collaborators. Kelley's mentorship and Teagarden's approach to trombone playing helped establish his reputation. The young trombonist's phrasing and improvisational skills made him a sought-after performer, which helped Teagarden to eventually collaborate with players like Louis Armstrong. In the mid-1920s, he traveled widely around the United States in various bands. In 1927, he came to New York City to work with several other bands, and by 1928, he was playing with the Ben Pollack band. While a member of Pollack's band, Teagarden recorded over 300 tracks. He also participated in one of the first integrated jazz recording sessions in 1929, organized by Eddie Condon, which produced the track "Knocking a Jug". Teagarden's career continued with Paul Whiteman's orchestra, though the band's limited jazz repertoire prompted him to leave after a five-year contract. In the late 1920s, he recorded with musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Jimmy McPartland, Mezz Mezzrow, Glenn Miller, Eddie Condon, and Fats Waller. In 1931, Teagarden's own orchestra recorded the tune "Chances Are" with Fats Waller playing piano and Jack singing and playing trombone. Miller and Teagarden collaborated to provide lyrics to Spencer Williams' "Basin Street Blues", which became one of Teagarden's most frequently played numbers. During the Great Depression, Teagarden sought financial security and signed an exclusive contract to play for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra from 1933 through 1938. In 1946, Teagarden joined Louis Armstrong's All-Stars. • Illustration — From left to right: Mary Lou Williams, Tadd Dameron, Milt Orent, Dixie Bailey, Dizzy Gillespie, and Jack Teagarden. Mary Lou Williams' apartment, New York, N.Y., ca. Aug. 1947 (LOC) (5475990477) During his tenure with Louis Armstrong's All-Stars, Teagarden demonstrated versatility as a trombonist and vocalist. His relaxed style was reminiscent of the blues and is prominent in his collaborations with Armstrong, such as their rendition of "Rockin' Chair." In late 1951, Teagarden left to again lead his own band.

Teagarden was found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans on January 15, 1964, just hours before he was scheduled to perform. He was 58 years old and actively touring at the time of his death, which was later attributed to bronchial pneumonia. Teagarden was honored with tributes from musicians and fans. • Illustration — Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans The Los Angeles Times noted that Teagarden was celebrated for his innovations in trombone technique and his soulful, blues-inflected vocals.

• 1929 – Eddie Condon 's Hot Shots (Label X, Camden) Jack Teagarden only in 3 tracks • The Whoopee Makers (Folkways, 1929) • 1929 – Louis Armstrong, and his Orchestra (Columbia, 1929) 78 rpm • 1929–1930 – Louisiana Rhythm Kings – Recorded In New York 1929-1930 (Jazz Oracle, 2002) Jack Teagarden only in 3 tracks • 1929 – Mound City Blue Blowers (Label X, HMV, 1929) • 1931 – Charleston Chasers (Columbia, 1931) • Eddie Lang-Joe Venuti and their all-star Orchestra (Folkways, 1931) • Benny Goodman and his Orchestra (Columbia, 1933) • Benny Goodman and his Orchestra (Columbia, 1934) • 1940 – VV AA, Metronome All Stars (Columbia, 1955) (Jack Teagarden only in two tracks) • Bud Freemand and His Famous Chicagoans (Harmony, 1940) • Eddie Condon and His Orchestra (Decca, 1944) • Louis Armstrong (All Stars), Town Hall Concert (Victor, 1947) • Eddie Condon and His Orchestra (Decca, 1947) • 1947 – Louis Armstrong, Satchmo at Symphony Hall (Decca, 1947) • 1950 – Louis Armstrong, All Stars (Decca, 1950) • 1950 – Louis Armstrong, Satchmo at Pasadena (Decca, 1951) • 1952.08 – Ben Pollack and His Pick-A-Rib Boys (Savoy, 1952) (Jack Teagarden only in four tracks) • 1955 – Bobby Hackett (And His Jazz Band), Coast Concert (Capitol, 1955) • 1957.09 – Bobby Hackett, Jazz Ultimate (Capitol, 1958) • Paul Whiteman, Fiftieth Anniversary (Grand Award, 1957) • 1957 – Bud Freeman, Chicago_Austin High School (RCA Victor, 1957) • Red Allen, Red Allen, Kid Ory & Jack Teagarden at Newport (Verve, 1957) • Ben Pollack, Dixieland (Savoy, 1956)

Jack Teagarden is recorded as singer, bandleader, composer, trombonist and musician.