Trummy Young

Trummy Young was one of the finest trombonists to emerge during the swing era and, even though he was never really a star or a bandleader himself, he did have one hit with his version of "Margie," which he played and sang with Jimmy Lunceford's Orchestra. Growing up in Washington, Young was originally a trumpeter, but by the time he debuted in 1928 he had switched to trombone. Extending the range and power of his instrument, Young was a major asset to Earl Hines' orchestra during 1933-1937 and really became a major influence in jazz while with Lunceford (1937-1943). Young was a modern swing stylist with an open mind who fit in well with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie on a Clyde Hart-led session in 1945, and with Jazz at the Philharmonic. It was therefore a surprise when he joined the Louis Armstrong All-Stars in 1952 and stayed a dozen years. Trummy Young was a good foil for Armstrong (most memorably on their 1954 recording of "St. Louis Blues"), but he simplified his style due to his love for the trumpeter. In 1964, Young quit the road to settle in Hawaii, occasionally emerging for jazz parties and special appearances.