Robert Sherwood Haggart (March 13, 1914 – December 2, 1998) was an American Dixieland jazz double bass player, composer, and arranger. Although he is associated with Dixieland, he was one of the finest rhythm bassists of the Swing Era.
Music career In 1935, Haggart became a member of the Bob Crosby Band. He arranged, composed, and played "Big Noise from Winnetka", "My Inspiration", "What's New?", and "South Rampart Street Parade". Along with playing Double bass, he whistled on Big Noise from Winnetka. He remained with the band until it dissolved in 1942, then began working as session musician, with much of his time spent at Decca Records.
He recorded with Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Ella Fitzgerald; his arrangements can be heard on Fitzgerald's album Lullabies of Birdland. Haggart also starred in several commercials for L&M cigarettes on the radio program "Gunsmoke", including the March 4, 1956 episode "The Hunter".
Haggart and Yank Lawson formed the Lawson-Haggart Band, and also led the World's Greatest Jazz Band from 1968 until 1978. He appeared at jazz festivals until his death on December 2, 1998, in Venice, Florida.
Personal life Haggart was raised in Douglaston, New York in Queens, New York.
Discography Strictly from Dixie (MGM, 1960) Big Noise from Winnetka (Command, 1962) Live at the Roosevelt Grill (Atlantic, 1970) What's New? (Atlantic, 1971) Makes a Sentimental Journey (Jazzology, 1980) Enjoys Carolina in the Morning (Jazzology, 1981) A Portrait of Bix (Jazzology, 1986) Enjoy Yourself! (Audiophile, 1986) Hag Leaps In (Arbors, 1995) The All-Stars at Bob Haggart's 80th Birthday Party (Arbors, 2002) The Piano Giants at Bob Haggart's 80th Birthday Party (Arbors, 2002) The Music of Bob Haggart (Arbors, 2002)
References
Further reading
External links
Bob Haggart recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings. Yank Lawson and Bob Haggart: Profiles in Jazz by Scott Yanow Bob Haggart Interview NAMM Oral History Library (1995)