Biography
Arnett Cobb, born Arnette Cleophus Cobbs on August 10, 1918, in Houston, Texas, emerged as one of the most dynamic tenor saxophonists in jazz. Taught piano by his grandmother and later studying violin, Cobb ultimately gravitated to the tenor saxophone during his high school years at Wheatley High School. By age fifteen, he was already performing professionally with Frank Davis’s band, later working with Chester Boone, and then becoming a founding member of the Milton Larkin Orchestra in 1936. This group, which included future stars like Illinois Jacquet and Eddie Vinson, became a leading force in the Texas swing and blues scene, performing at prestigious venues such as Harlem’s Apollo Theatre and Joe Louis’s Rhumboogie Club in Chicago.
Cobb's national breakthrough came in 1942 when he joined Lionel Hampton’s orchestra, replacing Illinois Jacquet as lead tenor saxophonist. His robust, exuberant style—often described as the “open prairie” tone and “southern preacher” style—quickly earned him the nickname 'Wild Man of the Tenor Sax.' Cobb was a featured soloist, arranger, and writer with Hampton for five years, contributing to iconic recordings like 'Flying Home No. 2.' After leaving Hampton in 1947, Cobb led his own groups, recorded prolifically for labels such as Prestige and Muse, and overcame significant health setbacks, including a car accident in 1956 that left him reliant on crutches. Despite these challenges, he continued to perform, record, and mentor younger musicians, especially after returning to Houston in 1959. He remained active internationally into the 1980s and played a pivotal role in preserving Texas jazz heritage until his death on March 24, 1989.
Cobb’s legacy is marked by his powerful, blues-infused sound and his influence on generations of saxophonists in jazz, R&B, and soul. He was recognized with a Grammy nomination in 1979 and shared a Grammy with B.B. King in 1984. Through his performances, recordings, and educational efforts, Cobb helped shape the Texas Tenor tradition and left an indelible mark on American music.
Fun Facts
- Cobb was nicknamed the 'Wild Man of the Tenor Sax' for his energetic, uninhibited playing style.
- After a serious car accident in 1956 left him unable to walk without crutches, Cobb continued to perform and tour internationally.
- He was instrumental in founding the Jazz Heritage Society of Texas, which established the Texas Jazz Archives at the Houston Public Library.
- Cobb was a talent scout and arranger for major artists, and managed Club Ebony in Houston, helping nurture young local talent.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- His grandmother - Taught Cobb piano in his early childhood, instilling foundational musical skills. (N/A) [1920s]
- Frank Davis - Louisiana bandleader who gave Cobb his first professional band experience at age fifteen. (Touring performances) [Early 1930s]
Key Collaborators
- Milton Larkin - Band leader of the influential Milton Larkin Orchestra, where Cobb was a founding member. (Milton Larkin Orchestra performances) [1936-1942]
- Lionel Hampton - Cobb was lead tenor saxophonist, arranger, and featured soloist in Hampton’s orchestra. (Flying Home No. 2, other Hampton band recordings) [1942-1947]
- Illinois Jacquet - Bandmate in the Milton Larkin Orchestra and predecessor/successor in the Lionel Hampton band. (Milton Larkin Orchestra, Lionel Hampton Orchestra) [1936-1942, 1942]
- Eddie Vinson - Bandmate in the Milton Larkin Orchestra. (Milton Larkin Orchestra) [1936-1942]
- Cedric Haywood - Bandmate in the Milton Larkin Orchestra. (Milton Larkin Orchestra) [1936-1942]
- Jewel Brown - Vocalist in Cobb’s later ensemble, Texas Jazz and Blues. (Texas Jazz and Blues featuring Jewel Brown) [1985-1989]
Artists Influenced
- Illinois Jacquet - Directly influenced by Cobb’s style; Jacquet played in Cobb’s stead and was told to 'play like Cobb.' (Lionel Hampton Orchestra recordings) [1940s]
- Gene Ammons - Cited as influenced by Cobb’s robust, bluesy tenor sax approach. (Numerous jazz recordings) [1940s-1970s]
- Johnny Griffin - Part of the next generation of Texas Tenor saxophonists inspired by Cobb. (Jazz recordings) [1950s-1980s]
- Houston Person - Influenced by Cobb’s style and Texas Tenor tradition. (Jazz recordings) [1960s-present]
- Stanley Turrentine - Cobb’s soulful, blues-based sound shaped Turrentine’s approach. (Jazz recordings) [1960s-1990s]
- King Curtis - Influenced by Cobb’s blend of jazz, R&B, and soul. (R&B and soul recordings) [1950s-1971]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Brassens Et Le Jazz | 2011-01-01 | Album |
| Hampton/Salvador/Terry/Moustache Et Leurs Amis Jouent Brassens | 2001-01-01 | Album |
| Charmaine | 2015-12-11 | Album |
| Smooth Sailing | 1959-01-01 | Album |
| Party Time (Plus More Party time) | 2020-12-18 | Album |
| Misty Noir, Vol. 6 - Late Night Jazz | 2025-05-16 | Album |
| Golden Selection (Remastered) | 2021-06-18 | Album |
| Cobb's Mob | 1950-12-27 | Album |
| Party Time / More Party Time / Movin' Right Along | 2013-04-03 | Album |
| Movin' Right Along | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Go Power!!! | 2025-02-07 | Album |
| Arnett Cobb: Blues & Ballads (feat. Red Garland's Trio) | 2014-01-16 | Album |
| Tenor abrupt (1980) [The Definitive Black & Blue Sessions] | 2003 | Album |
| Ain't That Funk for You - Nice, France 1977 (The Definitive Black & Blue Sessions) | 1977 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Lester Leaps In - Remastered 2007/Rudy Van Gelder Edition (Very Saxy (Rudy Van Gelder Remasters))
- Blues Around Dusk (Charmaine)
- Blues Around Dusk (Smooth Sailing)
- Very Saxy - Remastered 2007/Rudy Van Gelder Edition (Very Saxy (Rudy Van Gelder Remasters))
- La Première Fille (Hampton/Salvador/Terry/Moustache Et Leurs Amis Jouent Brassens)
- Blues in the Closet (Party Time (Plus More Party time))
- Very Saxy - Remastered 2007/Rudy Van Gelder Edition (On Prestige)
- Smooth Sailing (Smooth Sailing)
- Dans L'Eau De La Claire Fontaine (Brassens Et Le Jazz)
- Dans L'Eau De La Claire Fontaine (Hampton/Salvador/Terry/Moustache Et Leurs Amis Jouent Brassens)
External Links
Tags: #bebop, #jazz, #soul-jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
Arnett Cobb has been played 12 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | 08:23 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Dec 14, 2025 | 08:24 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Dec 7, 2025 | 08:23 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 30, 2025 | 08:31 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Gospel Showw/ Lauren Mastro | |
| Nov 16, 2025 | 08:31 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Gospel Showw/ Lauren Mastro | |
| Nov 9, 2025 | 08:24 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 08:24 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Nov 2, 2025 | 07:55 | Blues In My Heartfrom Midnight Slows | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Oct 19, 2025 | 08:26 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman | |
| Sep 28, 2025 | 08:25 | Just A Closer Walk With Theefrom Show Time | The Sunday Morning Jazz Setw/ Mark Landesman |