Jack Teagarden

Biography

Jack Teagarden was a trombonist, singer and bandleader from Vernon, Texas, the most influential trombonist of the pre-bop era. He led his own big band from 1939 and starred in *Louis Armstrong*'s All Stars from 1947 to 1951; his singing and playing remain twin benchmarks of early jazz. His recordings with Armstrong, including their 'Rockin' Chair' duets, are among the most beloved in jazz, and his relaxed singing helped invent the jazz vocal style that followed.