He was an inventor, redesigning mouthpieces, mutes, and water valves
and inventing a new musical slide rule.
Jazz trombone virtuoso.
Was a member of "Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars."
Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1985.
From a jazz-oriented family. Mother Helen was a ragtime pianist.
Brother of pianist Norma Teagarden (1911-1996); trumpeter Charley Teagarden
(1913-1984); drummer Clois (nicknamed "Cub" or "Cubby") Teagarden
(1915-1969).
Buried at: Forest Lawn Memorial Park (Hollywood Hills), Los Angeles,
California
He is considered one of the all-time greats in the history of jazz,
known for his unique trombone style. One of the first jazz musicians to
incorporate "blue notes" into his playing. Teagarden was also a
respected jazz singer and developed his own blues vocal style.