Cootie Williams

Cootie Williams' high flying trumpet work with Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman made him one of the shining lights of the Swing era. He led his own bands throughout the 1940s and '50s and, like a grittier Lionel Hampton, slowly changed it from a hot mainstream jazz band to more of a boppin' R&B instrumental outfit. The solo recordings of this good-humored musician are well worth seeking out.