Bob McCracken

Although Dallas indigenous Bob McCracken hardly ever became well-known, he did use several significant groups over time. McCracken began playing with regional artists — Jack port Teagarden was an early on affiliate — including Eddie Whitley, the Southern Trumpeters and Doc Ross’ Jazz Bandits. In NY McCracken used Johnny Johnston and Willard Robison’s Levee Loungers from 1926-28. McCracken transferred back again to Dallas and performed locally with such groupings as those led by Ligon Smith, Joe Gill and Doc Ross. Stints using the orchestras of Joe Venuti and Frankie Trumbauer preceded his 1939 proceed to Chicago. McCracken caused Bud Freeman from 1939-40, Jimmy McPartland, Wingy Manone and Benny Goodman in 1941, the sugary rings of Russ Morgan and Wayne Ruler, plus various other lesser-known ensembles. From 1952-53 McCracken toured using the Louis Armstrong All-Stars being a fill-in for Barney Bigard. After departing the street, McCracken resolved in LA where he caused lots of the who’s who of trad jazz, including Child Ory’s Creole Jazz Music group (on / off from 1953-59), Ben Pollack, Pete Daily, Jack port Teagarden and Crazy Costs Davison. McCracken under no circumstances led his very own record time, but he’s on several Child Ory albums.