Teagarden, Jack (redirected from Weldon Leo Teagarden)

Teagarden, Jack (Weldon Leo Teagarden), 1905–64, American jazz trombonist and singer, b. Vernon, Tex. One of the earliest white bluesmen, he came from a jazz-playing family and was mainly self-taught. He sometimes played with his brothers, trumpeter Charlie and drummer Cub, and sister, pianist Norma. In his twenties Teagarden wandered across America's Southwest, playing in several jazz groups, and arrived in New York in 1927. He played in bands led by Ben Pollack (1928–33), Paul Whiteman (1933–38), and Louis Armstrong (1947–51), and also led his own groups (1939–47; 1951–57). He began recording in the late 1920s and made many albums throughout his career. Teagarden was one of the great horn players of the mid-20th cent.; his trombone playing, seemingly effortless yet extremely accomplished technically, was uniquely smooth and lyrical. In addition, his somewhat gruff, drawling voice was ideal for singing the blues.

Bibliography

See biography by J. D. Smith (1976, rev. ed. 1988); study by H. J. Waters (1960).

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Teagarden, Jack

 orig. Weldon Leo Teagarden

(born Aug. 20, 1905, Vernon, Texas, U.S.—died Jan. 15, 1964, New Orleans, La.) U.S. jazz trombonist and singer. He worked with two of the most popular bands of the early swing era, those of Ben Pollack (1928–33) and Paul Whiteman (1933–38). After leading his own group (1938–47), he joined Louis Armstrong's All Stars and recorded and toured with them internationally until 1951. Teagarden's trademark relaxed, bluesy approach was evident in both his playing and singing, his engaging Texas accent seeming to colour both.

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Teagarden, (Weldon John) Jack (1905–64) jazz musician; born in Vernon, Texas. He was a trombonist and singer whose relaxed, melodic instrumental style was highly influential. He was a featured sideman with Ben Pollack and Paul Whiteman (1927–38), led his own big band (1939–46), appeared with Louis Armstrong's All-Stars (1947–51), and led small groups thereafter.