Bob Haggart

After formal tuition on guitar and informal playing of trumpet and piano, Bob Haggart switched to bass. He came to prominence when he joined Bob Crosby’s band, one of the great successes of the swing era. Haggart’s contribution extended far beyond his role in the rhythm section, he arranged several of the band’s most popular numbers, including ‘South Rampart Street Parade’ and ‘Dogtown Blues’. Haggart was co-creator, with drummer Ray Bauduc, of ‘Big Noise From Winnetka’, one of the best-known tunes from the swing era. In 1942 Haggart left the Crosby band, turning to studio work and arranging for many artists, including Louis Armstrong. In the early-50s he reunited with former Crosby-band colleague Yank Lawson, forming the Lawson-Haggart Jazz band, which evolved into the acclaimed World’s Greatest Jazz Band.