Arnett Cobb: Biography

Arnett Cobb
Born:
Aug 10, 1918 in Houston, TX

Died:
Mar 24, 1989 in Houston, TX

Genres:
Piano and Jump Blues Music, Jazz Music, Bop Jazz Music, Swing

Decades Active:
1930's|1940's|1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's


Artistic Quality
High
Cultural Impact
Medium
Popularity
High



A stomping Texas tenor player in the tradition of Illinois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb's accessible playing was between swing and early rhythm blues. After playing in Texas with Chester Boone (1934-1936) and Milt Larkin (1936-1942), Cobb emerged in the big leagues by succeeding Illinois Jacquet with Lionel Hampton's Orchestra (1942-1947). His version of "Flying Home No. 2" became a hit, and he was a very popular soloist with Hampton. After leaving the band, Cobb formed his own group, but his initial success was interrupted in 1948, when he had to undergo an operation on his spine. After recovering, he resumed touring. But a major car accident in 1956 crushed Cobb's legs and he was reduced to using crutches for the rest of his life. However, by 1959, he returned to active playing and recording. Cobb spent most of the 1960s leading bands back in Texas, but starting in 1973, he toured and recorded more extensively, including a tenor summit with Jimmy Heath and Joe Henderson in Europe as late as 1988. Arnett Cobb made many fine records through the years for such labels as Apollo, Columbia/Okeh, Prestige (many of the latter are available on the OJC series), Black Blue, Progressive, Muse, and Bee Hive.

- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

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