Charlie Teagarden

Although he spent his career in his brother Jack Teagarden's shadow, Charlie Teagarden was an excellent trumpeter who sounded perfectly at home in Dixieland combos and big bands. Born eight years after Jack (who he outlived by 20 years), two years after pianist Norma and two before his brother drummer Cub, Charlie's mother Helen was a fine ragtime pianist. The trumpeter worked in local bands in Oklahoma and then followed his brother Jack into Ben Pollack's Orchestra in 1929 where he made his recording debut. Teagarden played with Red Nichols (1931), Roger Wolfe Kahn (1932) and for a long stretch with Paul Whiteman (1933-40). During the Whiteman period, both Teagardens plus Frankie Trumbauer briefly led a group called the Three T's and Charlie did some freelance recording. He spent time in Jack Teagarden's Big Band (starting in 1940) but mostly led his own bands for the next few years. Among Charlie Teagarden's more notable associations were Jimmy Dorsey (1948-50) (where he played with a combo taken from the big band that was billed as "The Original Dorseyland Jazz Band"), Ben Pollack, Bob Crosby (1954-58) and Pete Fountain (in the 1960's). Teagarden was based in Las Vegas after 1959. He appeared at the memorable 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival with Jack, Norma and Helen Teagarden but by the 1970's was only semi-active. Charlie Teagarden's only record date as a leader was a session for Coral in 1962. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide