Teddy McRae, also known as "Mr. Bear," was an influential American jazz tenor saxophonist, arranger, and composer. Born on January 22, 1908, in Waycross, Georgia, and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McRae initially pursued a career in medicine before dedicating himself to music. He played with local ensembles, including a family band, and moved to New York City in 1927 to lead his own group.

Throughout his career, McRae collaborated with notable bandleaders such as June Clark, Charlie Johnson, Elmer Snowden, Stuff Smith, and Lil Armstrong. His most significant association was with Chick Webb's orchestra from 1936 to 1939, where he contributed as both a soloist and arranger. After Webb's death, McRae served as the musical director for the orchestra under Ella Fitzgerald's leadership until 1941.

During the 1940s, McRae worked with prominent orchestras led by Cab Calloway, Jimmie Lunceford, Lionel Hampton, and Louis Armstrong, for whom he also served as musical director. He composed successful tunes like "Back Bay Shuffle" and "Traffic Jam" and formed his own band in 1945.

In the 1950s, McRae co-founded the Raecox record label with Eddie Wilcox and later established Enrica Records. Although he primarily focused on arranging in his later years, McRae recorded with artists like Champion Jack Dupree and released a few tracks under his own name. He passed away on March 4, 1999, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as a pivotal figure in the jazz and swing music scenes.