World's Greatest Jazz Band

Founded in 1968 by jazz producer Dick Gibson, the World’s Greatest Jazz Band was an all-star ensemble that was brought together during Gibson’s sixth annual Jazz Party event. Led by trumpeter Yank Lawson (born May 3, 1911, in Trenton, Missouri) and double bassist Bob Haggart (born March 13, 1914, in New York, New York), the World’s Greatest Jazz Band focused on classic Dixieland jazz but would also incorporate Dixieland-style versions of then-contemporary songs. The group’s line-up, which would changed over the course of their career, featured musicians such as Bud Freeman, George Masso, Roy Williams, Billy Butterfield, Eddie Hubble, and many others. The group released Extra!, their debut album, in 1969, and followed that up with a catalog of well-received titles including What’s New? (1971), Good News featuring Teresa Brewer (1973), Plays Cole Porter (1975), Plays Rodgers & Hart (1976), Plays Duke Ellington (1976), and Plays George Gershwin (1977). The World’s Greatest Jazz Band split up in 1978 but the name would be revived a few times by Yank Lawson and Bob Haggart for special occasions. Yank Lawson died on February 18, 1995. Bob Haggart died on December 2, 1998.

Please enable Javascript to view this page competely.