orig. Weldon Leo Teagarden
born Aug. 20, 1905, Vernon, Texas, U.S.
died Jan. 15, 1964, New Orleans, La.
U.S. jazz trombonist and singer.
He worked with two of the most popular bands of the early swing era, those of Ben Pollack (192833) and Paul Whiteman (193338). After leading his own group (193847), he joined Louis Armstrong 's All Stars and recorded and toured with them internationally until 1951. Teagarden's trademark relaxed, bluesy approach was evident in both his playing and singing, his engaging Texas accent seeming to colour both.