In today's episode we explore the music of Jack Teagarden, a trombonist and vocalist whose superior technique and relaxed singing style found him playing with the biggest band leaders of the day. Through his recordings, we can hear his command over his instrument and understand why he’s largely considered one of the greatest players to ever grace the trombone.

Here’s a  video of Jack Teagarden playing with Bing Corsby and Mary Martin for the film “Birth of the Blues.” In this clip, you can also witness Teagarden’s water glass gimmick, where he plays without the bell of the trombone.

Watch Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden performing “Old Rockin’ Chair.” The dynamic duo sure know how to entertain. 

Here’s another example of Jack Teagarden using his famous water glass technique, this time performing with his All-Star band. Check it out here.

A transcript of this episode can be found here. Listen to the companion playlist for this episode on Spotify. Catch all other episodes of Listening with Leckrone on Apple Podcasts, PodBean, or on the Four Seasons website. Thanks for listening!

Song List:

“She’s a Great, Great, Girl;” Performed by Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra; Written by Harry M. Woods; Victor, 1928

“My Kinda Love;” Performed by Ben Pollack and His Park Central Orchestra; Written by Louis Alter and Jo Trent; Victor, 1929

“Knockin’ A Jug;” Performed by Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra; Written by Louis Armstrong and Eddie Condon; Okeh, 1929

“Tailspin Blues;” Performed by Mound City Blue Blowers; Written by Red McKenzie; Victor, 1929

“Basin Street Blues;” Performed by The Charleston Chasers; Written by Spencer Williams; Columbia, 1931

“I Gotta Right to Sing the Blues;” Performed by Benny Goodman and His Orchestra; Written by Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler; Columbia, 1933

“Junk Man;” Performed by Jack Teagarden and Orchestra; Written by Frank Loesser and Joseph Meyer; Brunswick, 1935

“Ain’t Misbehavin’;” Performed by Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra; Written by Andy Razaf, Thomas “Fats” Waller, and Harry Brooks; Victor, 1935

“The Waiter and the Porter and the Upstairs Maid” from the Paramount Picture Birth of the Blues; Performed by Bing Crosby, Mary Marin, and Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra; Written by Johnny Mercer; Decca, 1941

“Stars Fell on Alabama;” Performed by Jack Teagarden; Written by Frank Perkins & Mitchell Parish; Brunswick, 1943

“Ol’ Rockin’ Chair;” Performed by Louis Armstrong and the All Stars; Written by Hoagy Charmichael; RCA Victor, 1947

“Lover;” Performed by Louis Armstrong and the All Stars; Written by Richard Rogers and Lorenz Hart; Decca, 1951