Taft Jordan 2.15.15-12.1.81 trumpet, vocals: big band

Taft moved from Virginia to Philadelphia early in his career and played with George 'Doc' Hyder. In 1933 Taft joined the Chick Webb band and remained there until Chick's passing in 1939. In 1941 he moved from working with Ella Fitzgerald to leading his own band at the Savoy. From 1943 to 1947 Taft played with Duke Ellington. Later in his career he played with Benny Goodman.