Jackie Coon

A middle-register, cool-toned flügelhornist who also contributes occasional vocals, Jackie Coon's likable style has been an asset to many informal mainstream sessions. Coon, who grew up in Southern California, was inspired to play trumpet after hearing Louis Armstrong's "West End Blues." He spent a few months with Jack Teagarden's band (some of the music from radio broadcasts has been released by Arbors) and had gigs with Charlie Barnet, Louis Prima, and Earl Hines, making his recording debut with Barney Bigard in 1957 and playing mellophone on Red Nichols' greatest version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Due to his decision to stay in California, fame has eluded Jackie Coon, but he worked for nine years at Disneyland, played regularly in local clubs, and appeared at jazz festivals. The popular flügelhornist led his first record session for Sea Breeze in 1986 and since 1991, he has recorded fairly often for Arbors.