American swing trombonist, arranger, composer, and bandleader. Born 1 March 1904 in Clarinda, Iowa. Started orchestra in 1938. Best-selling recording artist from 1939 to 1943, leading best known and beloved swing band. Worked as sideman early in career. Wrote and/or arranged popular swing songs. Disbanded orchestra in 1942 to leave for Army. Too old to be drafted, created a band. Transferred to Army Air Force and raised morale for hundreds of thousands of troops before disappearing on christmas 1944 on a flight fro…