Arnett Cobb
Arnett Cleophus Cobb (August 10, 1918 – March 24, 1989) was a prominent American jazz tenor saxophonist, celebrated for his energetic and uninhibited playing style that earned him the nickname "Wild Man of the Tenor Sax." Born in Houston, Texas, Cobb was initially taught piano by his grandmother and later studied violin before focusing on the tenor saxophone during his high school years. At 15, he joined Frank Davis's band, performing in Houston and Louisiana.
Cobb's early career included stints with local bands led by Chester Boone and Milt Larkin, where he played alongside notable musicians such as Illinois Jacquet and Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson. In 1942, he joined Lionel Hampton's band, replacing Jacquet and gaining fame for his dynamic solo on Hampton's "Flying Home No. 2." Cobb's tenure with Hampton lasted until 1947, after which he formed his own band.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including spinal surgery and a car crash that left him reliant on crutches, Cobb continued to perform as a soloist through the 1970s and 1980s. He recorded numerous albums and collaborated with other jazz greats, such as Ella Fitzgerald, for whom he wrote the jazz standard "Smooth Sailing."
Cobb's contributions to jazz were recognized with a Grammy nomination in 1979 and a shared Grammy with B.B. King in 1984. He also founded the Jazz Heritage Society of Texas, contributing to the establishment of the Jazz Archives at the Houston Public Library. Cobb passed away in his hometown of Houston in 1989, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in jazz music.
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