Famous Trombone Jazz Players

The trombone is a wonderful and versatile instrument that has been an integral part of jazz music since its inception.

Here are some of the most famous and influential trombone players in jazz history, along with a brief introduction to their life and work.

Kid Ory (1886-1973)

He was one of the pioneers of New Orleans jazz and the first great jazz trombonist.

He led his own band, the Ory’s Creole Jazz Band, which featured legendary musicians such as Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, and Johnny Dodds.

He was known for his powerful and melodic playing, as well as his ability to improvise and arrange. He influenced many trombonists who came after him, such as Jack Teagarden, Tommy Dorsey, and J.J. Johnson.

Jack Teagarden (1905-1964)

He was one of the finest trombonists of all time and one of the first white musicians to play jazz.

He was influenced by blues and gospel music, and developed a smooth and lyrical style that contrasted with the more aggressive approach of his contemporaries.

He played with many famous jazz musicians, such as Benny Goodman, Bix Beiderbecke, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington. He was also a talented singer and composer.

Tommy Dorsey (1905-1956)

He was one of the most popular bandleaders of the swing era and one of the most successful trombonists in history.

He led his own orchestra, which featured stars such as Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, and Sy Oliver.

He was known for his technical mastery and virtuosity, as well as his warm and velvety tone. He could play both fast and slow tempos with ease and elegance.

J.J. Johnson (1924-2001)

He was the most important trombonist of the modern jazz era and one of the founders of bebop trombone.

He revolutionized the instrument by adapting the fast and complex style of bebop to the trombone, which was previously considered too slow and cumbersome for this genre.

He played with remarkable speed, accuracy, clarity, and creativity. He also composed and arranged many jazz standards, such as “Lament”, “Wee Dot”, and “Perdido”.

Kai Winding (1922-1983)

He was one of the most versatile and prolific trombonists of his time. He played in various styles and settings, from big bands to small groups, from swing to cool jazz to hard bop.

He was especially known for his collaborations with J.J. Johnson, forming one of the most successful trombone duos in history.

They recorded several albums together, such as “Trombone for Two”, “The Great Kai & J.J.”, and “Israel”.

Curtis Fuller (1934-2021)

He was one of the leading trombonists of hard bop and one of the few who could match the intensity and energy of this genre.

He played with a powerful and aggressive sound, using a wide range of dynamics, articulations, and effects.

He was a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, one of the most influential groups in jazz history. He also played with John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and many others.

Frank Rosolino (1926-1978)

He was one of the most brilliant and expressive trombonists of his time.

He played with a smooth and lyrical style, using a lot of humor and surprise in his improvisation.

He played with many famous musicians, such as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Count Basie, and Ella Fitzgerald. He was also a talented singer and scat vocalist.

Bill Watrous (1939-)

He is one of the most respected and acclaimed trombonists of his generation.

He is known for his incredible technique and virtuosity, as well as his warm and velvety tone. He can play both fast and slow tempos with ease and elegance.

He has played with many legendary musicians, such as Woody Herman, Maynard Ferguson, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Doc Severinsen. He is also a leader of his own groups, such as the Manhattan Wildlife Refuge and the Bill Watrous Quartet.

Trombone Shorty (1986-)

He is one of the most exciting and original trombonists of his time.

He is known for his fusion of jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop, as well as his use of electronic effects and loops.

He has played with many influential musicians, such as Lenny Kravitz, U2, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and The Roots.

He is also a leader of his own band, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

Glenn Miller (1904-1944)

He was one of the most famous and successful bandleaders of the swing era and one of the most popular trombonists in history.

He led his own orchestra, which featured hits such as “In the Mood”, “Moonlight Serenade”, and “Chattanooga Choo Choo”.

He was known for his catchy and melodic arrangements, as well as his distinctive clarinet-led sound.

He disappeared mysteriously during World War II, while flying over the English Channel.

Bob Brookmeyer (1929-2011)

He was one of the most innovative and influential trombonists of the cool jazz and third stream movements.

He played the valve trombone, which gave him more flexibility and range than the slide trombone.

He played with many renowned musicians, such as Stan Getz, Gerry Mulligan, Jimmy Giuffre, and Thad Jones. He was also a prolific composer and arranger, writing for various ensembles and genres.

Urbie Green (1926-2018)

He was one of the most versatile and respected trombonists of his time.

He played in various styles and settings, from big bands to small groups, swing to bebop and Latin music.

He played with many legendary musicians, such as Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Woody Herman, and Frank Sinatra.

He was known for his smooth and elegant style, as well as his mastery of the high register.

Carl Fontana (1928-2003)

He was one of the most brilliant and expressive trombonists of his time.

He played in various styles and settings, from big bands to small groups, from swing to bebop to hard bop.

He played with many famous musicians, such as Woody Herman, Lionel Hampton, Stan Kenton, and Al Cohn.

He was known for his fast and fluid technique, as well as his humorous and inventive improvisation.