Arnett Cobb

Biography

Arnett Cobb (10 August 1918–24 March 1989) was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. Cobb was born Arnette Cleophus Cobbs in Houston, Texas. His musical career began with the local bands of Chester Boone, from 1934 to 1936, and Milt Larkin, from 1936 to 1942 (which included a period on the West Coast with Floyd Ray). He replaced Illinois Jacquet in Lionel Hampton's band in 1942, staying with Hampton until 1947. Cobb then started his own seven-piece band, but suffered a serious illness in 1950, which necessitated spinal surgery.