Junie Cobb
Junius C. "Junie" Cobb (December 31, 1896 – January 3, 1970) was an influential American jazz multi-instrumentalist and bandleader. Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Cobb was proficient in a variety of instruments, including the tenor saxophone, clarinet, banjo, piano, violin, and drums. His musical journey began in his teenage years when he played with Johnny Dunn. Cobb later moved to Chicago, where he led his own ensemble at the Club Alvadere in 1920-21.
Throughout the 1920s, Cobb played banjo with renowned jazz musicians such as King Oliver (1924–27) and Jimmie Noone (1928–29). He also led his own band, recording with Vocalion and Victor labels. Cobb's career took him briefly to Paris in the early 1930s, but he soon returned to Chicago to continue leading various groups.
In 1946, Cobb worked as a pianist accompanying Annabelle Calhoun and performed extended engagements as a solo pianist. Although he semi-retired in 1955, he continued to play with artists like Red Saunders in 1961 and Jasper Taylor in 1962. Cobb was also a composer, with notable works including "Once or Twice" (1929) and the World War II song "Put the Axe to the Axis."
His brother, Jimmy Cobb, was a trumpeter who frequently collaborated with him. Junie Cobb's contributions to jazz, both as a performer and composer, left a lasting impact on the genre.