Word Celebrity Blog

JACK TEAGARDEN

Jack Teagarden started to play the trombone at the age of ten and played in the Vernon High school band in Vernon, Texas. At the age of sixteen he joined the musician's union and began playing at the local clubs.

Jack developed a smooth and technical style of playing that surpassed any jazz trombonist. His tone was lighter and his attacks smoother. He didn't use the tailgate style, with its slides and growls. He developed his own style which was much more like a trumpet style. Jack's technique had an enormous influence on other trombonists.

During the Great Depression, Jack took jobs with the big bands, because of the security. On three separate occasions he started his own band, but, had to give them up, He said that he wasn't very good with financial and business details.

He and Louis Armstrong were close friends and when he wasn't playing with his own group, He would be playing with Louis. Jack and Louis recorded 10 albums together.

Jack Teagarden wrote the words and music for several songs, and, he was very proud of the fact that he wrote the lyrics for "Basin Street Blues". He usually played it in all of his performances.

When I first met Jack in 1952, he was performing with Louis Armstrong's All Stars group at a local Elks club in Farrell, Pennsylvania. He was an imposing sight. He was dressed in a dark blue suit with a white shirt and blue bow tie. He looked like he was in charge. His music gave you the same impression. That is very impressive when you consider that he was playing with Louis Armstrong on cornet, Barney Brigard on clarinet, and Cozy Cole on drums.

Jack Teagarden was known as "Big T" in the Jazz world, but. his close friends would call him "Gentleman Jack" because of his demeanor both on stage and in private.

After their engagement that evening, Jack asked me where they could get something to eat. I drove him and Barney Brigard to an all-night diner for an early breakfast. We talked for several hours and became friends. Jack and I corresponded with each other on a regular bases, and we managed a visit once or twice a year for about ten years. Because of our friendship, I was able to meet and personally know many of the Jazz and Blues artists (mostly those in New Orleans).

While playing an engagement (which had become harder to get) in New Orleans, Jack Teagarden became ill. He went to a hospital to see what was wrong. He refused to be admitted and went back to his hotel room to rest.

He died in January 1964, at the age of 58, of bronchial pneumonia a couple days after suffering a mild heart attack. He was found dead in his hotel room by the hotel maid. It still bothers me, that he died alone.

I believe that Jack Teagarden was the best Jazz trombonist that ever lived. His music will be listened to for generations by those who love great Jazz Music.

All of my memories of our 12 year friendship are very good ones.

There is a link to Jack Teagarden's Music on the Left.

CLYDE