Trivia

Trombonist who was arguably the greatest of the Big Band/Swing era, and played with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Artie Shaw as well as a renown band leader. He's best remembered for his solo on Shaw's recording of "Stardust."

Recording songs under his own name in 1938, he served with the Navy for a short time in 1943 and 1944, where he led a band, before being discharged due to health problems.

Father was a music instructor at Columbia College (now called Loras College). Jack studied the trumpet with his father at the age of 8, but eventually switched to to trombone. He later became so skilled that he toured with his father's national touring band "The Grandioso Band."

At one time he maintained a schedule of playing with 10 to 20 major radio programs a week, in addition to recording and touring.

He married popular vocalist Kay Thompson (his second wife, whom he later divorced) and conducted recording sessions for her in 1937. He later married singer Bonnie Lake.

Shortly before his death he co-wrote the song "Man With A Horn" with his wife, Bonnie Lake, and Edgar De Lange. He also co-wrote "City Night" with Alec Wilder, and "What More Can I Give You?" with his previous wife, Kay Thompson.

Brother-in-law of Ann Sothern.