Jack Teagarden, whose career lasted from the 1920s to the '60s, is regarded by
many aficionados and fellow players as the greatest trombonist in the history of
jazz. Largely self-taught and inspired by the gospel singing and blues playing
he heard growing up in the American South, he was technically gifted and
displayed a flare for musical invention that meshed with the growing popularity
of Dixieland. Over four decades, he performed and made records with jazz stars
such as Louis Armstrong, Red Nichols, Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller and he left
a legacy that has amazed and inspi...