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Jack Teagarden

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Jack Teagarden
Teagarden c. 1944
Teagarden c. 1944
Background information
Birth nameWeldon Leo Teagarden
Born(1905-08-20)August 20, 1905
Vernon, Texas, U.S.
DiedJanuary 15, 1964(1964-01-15) (aged 58)
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Genres
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Trombone, vocals
Years active1920–1964

Weldon Leo "Jack" Teagarden (August 20, 1905 – January 15, 1964) was an American jazz trombonist player and musician.[1][2] Besides leading bands under his own name, he was a sideman for Paul Whiteman's orchestra and later played in "Louis Armstrong's All-Stars" from 1946 to 1951.[2][1]

Early life

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Jack Teagarden was born in Vernon, Texas, the oldest of four siblings.[3]United States 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.[4] His father encouraged Teagarden to play music on a baritone horn.. At age eight, Jack received his first trombone as a Christmas gift and transitioned from the tenor-valve horn to the trombone. His first public performances were duets with his mother (trombone, piano) as background to silent films in a local Vernon theater.[5] After his father's death, the family moved to Chappell, where he and his mother continued working in a theater.[6]

Due to short arms, Teagarden compensated by using his lips to reach all the notes on the trombone, a technique that distinguished him from other trombone players.[1]

Teagarden became the youngest member of the Paul Goetze Band at age 11.[citation needed]

Music career

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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.[6] During his early career, Teagarden played at venues such as the Horn Palace in San Antonio, where he formed a close bond with clarinetist George Hill, earning acclaim from local patrons and musicians. After his stint with Bailey's band, Jack joined Peck Kelley's ensemble, a group that included several of his close collaborators.[7][2]

Kelley's mentorship and Teagarden's innovative approach to trombone playing helped establish his reputation. His phrasing and improvisational skills made him a sought-after performer, setting the stage for future collaborations with players like Louis Armstrong.[7] 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.[2]

Teagarden's early career included joining Pollack's band, where he 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. These experiences solidified his reputation as a leading jazz trombonist.[8]

In the late 1920s, he recorded with bandleaders and sidemen such as Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Red Nichols, Jimmy McPartland, Mezz Mezzrow, Glenn Miller, Eddie Condon, and Fats Waller. In 1931, Teagarden's orchestra recorded the tune "Chances Are" with Fats Waller playing piano and Jack singing and playing trombone. Miller and Teagarden collaborated to provide lyrics and a verse to Spencer Williams' "Basin Street Blues", which became one of Teagarden's most frequently played numbers.[2]

During the Great Depression, Teagarden sought financial security and signed an exclusive contract to play for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra from 1933 through 1938.[2] In 1946, Teagarden joined Louis Armstrong's All-Stars.[2] Critics noted his ability to inject emotion and energy into jazz standards.[citation needed]

(Portrait of Tadd Dameron, Mary Lou Williams, Milt Orent, Dixie Bailey, Jack Teagarden, and Dizzy Gillespie, Mary Lou Williams' apartment, New York, N.Y., ca. Aug. 1947) (LOC) (5475990477)

Teagarden's tenure with Louis Armstrong's All-Stars showcased his versatility as a trombonist and vocalist. During this period, his relaxed, bluesy style complemented Armstrong's performances, resulting in collaborations such as their rendition of "Rockin' Chair." Despite the group's touring schedule, Teagarden thrived and considered this period the happiest of his professional life.[citation needed] In late 1951, Teagarden left to again lead his own band.[2]

Later life and death

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Teagarden was found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans on January 15, 1964, just hours before he was scheduled to perform. His death was later attributed to bronchial pneumonia.[citation needed][6] Teagarden’s death at age 58 led to tributes from musicians and fans, honoring his contributions to jazz.[9]

Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans

At the time of his death, Teagarden was actively touring. The Los Angeles Times noted that Teagarden was celebrated for his innovations in trombone technique and his soulful, blues-inflected vocals.[10]

Style and technique

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Largely self-taught, Teagarden developed unusual alternative positions and special effects on the trombone. He is considered an innovative jazz trombone stylist of the pre-bebop era.[citation needed] Pee Wee Russell called him "the best trombone player in the world".[11]

Jack Teagarden's trombone playing did not follow traditional Dixieland style. Instead, he adopted characteristics of his own, including upper register solos, not using a strict solo beat, and lip trills.[6] Growing up in an area with a large Black population, Teagarden developed an appreciation for Black music, especially blues and gospel, and was one of the first jazz musicians to incorporate blue notes into his playing[6]. His smoothness and fluidity set him apart, and critics praised his "bluesy" phrasing and ability to make the trombone sing.[citation needed] His improvisational skills allowed him to blend seamlessly into ensembles while maintaining a unique presence. Beyond his trombone mastery, Teagarden was celebrated as a jazz vocalist with a rich, emotive tone.[12]

Jack Teagarden's trombone playing combined smooth, horizontal melodic phrasing with a distinctive use of vertical, arpeggiated lines.[citation needed] His improvisational style, showcased in performances like his 1953 solo on "Lover," balanced technical prowess and melodic fluidity. Teagarden's approach often involved juxtaposing scalar runs with chromatic arpeggios, creating improvisations that remained rooted in the song's structure. Eschewing traditional slide techniques, he favored lip flexibility and embouchure control, allowing for legato phrasing.[citation needed] Critics have highlighted his warm, vocal-like tone throughout his performances.[13]

Legacy

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Jack Teagarden performed for diverse audiences, including royal families in Cambodia and Thailand.[citation needed] Despite challenges, including financial struggles during the Great Depression, Teagarden viewed the acceptance of jazz as a cultural achievement.[7]

He bridged the gap between Dixieland and modern swing styles. Jazz historian Gunther Schuller described Teagarden as possessing "effortless sovereign technical mastery, richness of tone, and a total lack of exhibitionism," qualities that distinguished him.[citation needed] His influence is evident in the work of later jazz trombonists.[13]

Teagarden's contributions to jazz earned him admiration. Trombonist Tommy Dorsey reportedly altered his own style to avoid comparisons, and Glenn Miller downplayed his trombone skills after working alongside Teagarden in Ben Pollack's band.[14] Gunther Schuller praised Teagarden's ability to combine technical brilliance with emotional depth.[8]

Teagarden's death highlighted the sacrifices he made for his music.[citation needed] In the years following his passing, his recordings and performances were celebrated, ensuring that his legacy endured.[9] The Los Angeles Times highlighted his ability to elevate the trombone within jazz ensembles, and his recordings, including collaborations with Louis Armstrong, remain examples of jazz excellence.[10]

Jack Teagarden was remembered for his musical innovations and his warm personality.[citation needed] He was often described as a gentle figure who prioritized his artistry. He was celebrated in tributes, solidifying his status.[15]

In 1969 Jack Teagarden was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame [16] and the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.

Discography

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  • Big Jazz with Rex Stewart (Atlantic, 1953)
  • Holiday in Trombone (EmArcy, 1954)
  • Jack Teagarden Plays and Sings (Urania, 1954)
  • Meet the New Jack Teagarden Volume I (Urania, 1954)
  • Jazz Great (Bethlehem, 1955)
  • Accent On Trombone (Urania, 1955)
  • Big T's Jazz (Decca, 1956)
  • This Is Teagarden! (Capitol, 1956)
  • Swing Low, Sweet Spiritual (Capitol, 1957)
  • Jazz Ultimate with Bobby Hackett (Capitol, 1958)
  • Jack Teagarden at the Roundtable (Roulette, 1959)
  • Shades of Night (Capitol, 1959)
  • Mis'ry and the Blues (Verve, 1961)
  • Think Well of Me (Verve, 1962)
  • The Dixie Sound of Jack Teagarden (Roulette, 1962)
  • Jack Teagarden (Verve, 1962)
  • The Blues and Dixie (Rondo-lette, 1963)
  • A Portrait of Mr. T (Roulette, 1963)
  • Swinging Down in Dixie (Golden Tone, 1963)
  • King of the Blues Trombone (Epic, 1963)
  • Big T's Dixieland Band (Capitol, 1977)
  • Big T & the Condon Gang (Pumpkin, 1978)
  • Original Dixieland (Everest Archive, 1978)
  • Big Band Jazz (Everest Archive, 1979)
  • Mighty Like a Rose (Koala, 1979)
  • The Swingin' Gate (Jasmine, 1981)
  • The Big Band Sound of Bunny Berigan & Jack Teagarden (Folkways, 1982)
  • Tribute to Teagarden (Pausa, 1983)
  • Birth of a Band (Giants of Jazz, 1985)
  • 100 Years from Today (Grudge, 1990)
  • The Complete Capitol Fifties Jack Teagarden Sessions (Mosaic, 1996)
  • It's Time for T (Naxos, 2006)
  • Father of Jazz Trombone (Avid Entertainment, 2004)

More discography

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Source:[7]

  • Ben Pollack and His Central Park Orchestra (Label X, 1928)
  • Ben’s Bad Boys (Camden, 1929)
  • Eddie Condon’s Hot Shots (Label X, Camden, 1929)
  • The Whoopee Makers (Folkways, 1929)
  • Louis Armstrong and his Orchestra (Colubia, 1929)
  • Louisiana Rhythm Kings (Folkways, 1929)
  • Mound City Blue Blowers (Label X, HMV, 1929)
  • Charleston Chasers (Columbia, 1931)
  • Eddie Lang-Joe Venuti and their all-star Orchestra (Folkways, 1931)
  • Jack Teagarden with orchestral accompaniment (Jolly Roger, 1933)
  • Benny Goodman and his Orchestra (Columbia, 1933)
  • Jack Teagarden With Orchestral accompaniment (Jolly Roger, 1934)
  • Benny Goodman and his Orchestra (Columbia, 1934)
  • Jack Teagarden and his Swingin’ Gates (Commodore, 1938)
  • All Star Band (Camden, 1939)
  • Metronome All Star Band (Harmony, 1940)
  • Bud Freemand and His Famous Chicagoans (Harmony, 1940)
  • Big Tea Plays the Blues (Ultraphonic, 1940-1944)
  • Jack Teagarden and His Swingin’ Gates (Commodore, 1944)
  • George Wettling’s New Yorkers (Mercury, 1944)
  • Eddie Condon and His Orchestra (Decca, 1944)
  • Louis Armstrong All Stars-Town Hall Concert (Victor, 1947)
  • Eddie Condon and His Orchestra (Decca, 1947)
  • Satchmo at Symphony Hall (Decca, 1947)
  • Louis Armstrong All Stars (Decca, 1950)
  • Satchmo at Pasadena (Decca, 1951)
  • Ben Pollack and His Pick-A-Rib Boys (Savoy, 1952)
  • Big T’s Jazz (Decca, 1953)
  • Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra (Bethlehem, 1954)
  • Big T’s Jazz (Decca, 1953)
  • Bobby Hackett and His Jazz Band-Coast Concert (Capitol, 1955)
  • Paul Whiteman Fiftieth Anniversary (Grand Award, 1957)
  • Bud Freeman’s Summa Cum Laude Orchestra (Victor, 1957)
  • Jazz Ultimate (Capitol, 1957)
  • Shades of Night (Capitol, 1958)
  • Big T’s Dixieland Band (Capitol, 1958)

As guest

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Jack Teagarden Is Dead at 58; Jazz Trombonist and Vocalist; Some Critics Considered Him a Genius — His Technique Was Largely Self-Taught". The New York Times. January 16, 1964. Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 1165. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  3. ^ Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. p. 1165. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
  4. ^ Yanow, Scott (May 1, 2017). "Jack Teagarden: Profiles in Jazz". The Syncopated Times. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
  5. ^ "Teagarden, Jack (Weldon Leo)" Archived 2012-09-30 at the Wayback Machine, Encyclopedia of Jazz Musicians.
  6. ^ a b c d e Association, Texas State Historical. "Jack Teagarden: The Legendary Jazz Trombonist". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2025-04-21. Published by the Texas State Historical Association.
  7. ^ a b c d Smith, Jay D.; Guttridge, Leonard F. (1976). Jack Teagarden. New York: Da Capo Press. pp. 1–28. ISBN 0-306-70813-2.
  8. ^ a b Pryor, William A. (2015). "Jack Teagarden, Genius of the Trombone". IAJRC. 48 (2): 115–123 – via EBSCO.
  9. ^ a b "Teagarden, Trombonist, Singer, Dies: Cause of His Death Not Resolved". Chicago Tribune. Jan 16, 1964. p. 12. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  10. ^ a b "Jack Teagarden, Famed Jazz Trombonist, Dies". Los Angeles Times. Jan 16, 1964. p. 2. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  11. ^ "The Best Trombone Player in the World", by Gary Giddins, originally published in The Village Voice, March 1977; reprinted in Riding on a Blue Note: Jazz & American Pop, Oxford University Press, 1981.
  12. ^ Smith, Jack (Jan 17, 1964). "Jack Teagarden's Style Strictly All His Own: Death Silences Genius Who Would Pick Up His Trombone and Play What He Felt Jack Teagarden". Los Angeles Times. pp. A1. Retrieved December 13, 2024.
  13. ^ a b Lambert, David Duane (2005). "A Comparison of three divergent jazz trombone styles from 1953: Jack Teagarden, J. J. Johnson, and Frank Rosolino". University of Miami Dissertations & Theses: 49–53 – via ProQuest.
  14. ^ "Glenn Miller: Profiles in Jazz - The Syncopated Times". 2023-01-31. Retrieved 2025-04-24.
  15. ^ Stone, Arthur H. (February 14, 1964). "Jack Teagarden". Chicago Tribune. p. 12. Retrieved December 12, 2024.
  16. ^ "DownBeat Archives". downbeat.com. Retrieved 2025-04-24.
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