Jack Teagarden was an American jazz trombone player and singer, famed for his performances in the 1930s to 1950s. He is best known for his contributions to jazz with Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, and his own band.
Personal and Family Life
Jack Teagarden, born Weldon Leo Teagarden on August 20, 1905, in Vernon, Texas, came from a musical family, with his mother being a ragtime pianist. Throughout his life, he was married four times, with his final marriage to Adeline Barriere lasting until his death in 1964. Teagarden had three children, two from his earlier marriages and one with Barriere.
Career Achievements
Teagarden learned to play the trombone at the age of 10 and started his professional career as a teenager, playing with groups like Peck Kelly’s Bad Boys. He became notable for his unique style and relaxed approach to the trombone, as well as his warm, charming singing that was influenced by African American blues artists. Throughout his career, he toured extensively and was highly regarded in the jazz community, even being considered an equal by Louis Armstrong.
Death and Legacy
Jack Teagarden passed away from bronchial pneumonia on January 15, 1964, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His innovative contributions to jazz music and his influence on future generations of musicians were recognized posthumously when he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Glass Wall | 1953-03-19 | Musician |
| Birth of the Blues | 1941-11-07 | Pepper |
| Hi, Good Lookin’! | 1944-03-22 | Jack Teagarden – Orchestra Leader |
| Me and the Boys | 1929-07-01 | Self – Trombone |
| Glory Alley | 1952-06-06 | Jack Teagarden |
| Twilight on the Prairie | 1944-04-30 | Jack |
| Hoagy Carmichael | 1939-05-05 | Himself |
| So’s Your Uncle | 1943-09-01 | Himself |
| Jazz on a Summer’s Day | 1960-03-28 | Self |
| The Happiness Remedy | 1931-02-14 | Self |
| Botta e risposta | 1950-02-18 | |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |