Jack Teagarden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Teagarden
|
|
|---|---|
Teagarden c. 1944
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Weldon Leo Teagarden |
| Born | August 20, 1905 Vernon, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | January 15, 1964 (aged 58) New Orleans, Louisiana |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Trombone, vocals |
| Years active | 1920–1964 |
| Associated acts |
|
Weldon Leo "Jack" Teagarden (born August 20, 1905 – died January 15, 1964) was a famous American jazz musician. He played the trombone and was also a singer. Many people say Jack Teagarden was the best jazz trombone player before the 1940s. He was also known as one of the best jazz singers of his time. Early in his career, he played with big names like Paul Whiteman and his good friend Louis Armstrong.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Jack Teagarden was born in Vernon, Texas, in the United States. Music was a big part of his family! His brothers, Charlie and Clois "Cub," and his sister, Norma, all became professional musicians too.
Jack's father played the trumpet in a brass band. He first taught Jack to play the baritone horn. But by the time he was seven years old, Jack switched to the trombone. His very first public shows were in movie theaters. He would play music while his mother, who was a pianist, played alongside him.
Jack's Amazing Music Career
Jack Teagarden learned to play the trombone mostly by himself. He came up with many new ways to play the instrument. He also created special sounds and effects. People often say he was the most creative jazz trombone player before the bebop style became popular. Another famous musician, Pee Wee Russell, even called him "the best trombone player in the world."
By 1920, Jack was playing music professionally in San Antonio, Texas. He played with a band led by pianist Peck Kelley. In the mid-1920s, he started traveling all over the United States. He played with many different bands during this time. In 1927, he moved to New York City and continued to play with various groups. By 1928, he was playing for the Ben Pollack band.
In the late 1920s, Jack recorded music with many famous bandleaders and musicians. These included Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Glenn Miller, and Fats Waller. In 1931, Jack's early band recorded a song called "Chances Are." Fats Waller played piano on it, and Jack sang and played his trombone. Jack and Glenn Miller also worked together to add words to a song called "Basin Street Blues." This version became one of Jack's most popular songs, and he played it for the rest of his life.
During the Great Depression, Jack wanted to make sure he had a steady job. So, from 1933 to 1938, he signed a special contract to play only for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Later, in 1946, Jack joined Louis Armstrong's All Stars band. In late 1951, Jack decided to leave and lead his own band again.
Jack Teagarden passed away in New Orleans at the age of 58. He died from pneumonia.
Recordings
Jack Teagarden recorded many albums during his career. Some of his well-known recordings include:
- Big Jazz (1953)
- Holiday in Trombone (1954)
- This Is Teagarden! (1956)
- Swing Low, Sweet Spiritual (1957)
- Mis'ry and the Blues (1961)
- Think Well of Me (1962)
He also appeared as a guest musician on albums by other artists, such as Red Allen and Ben Pollack.
See also
In Spanish: Jack Teagarden para niños
