Bob Haggart

by Scott YanowOne of the last survivors of Bob Crosby's Bobcats, Bob Haggart was a top bassist for 60 years. Originally a guitarist, Haggart taught himself bass while in high school. He gained fame when he joined Bob Crosby in 1935, not only supplying his supportive and swinging bass but contributing arrangements and writing such songs as "What's New," "South Rampart Street Parade," "My Inspiration," and "Big Noise From Winnetka," the latter a colorful duet with drummer Ray Bauduc. After Crosby broke up his band in 1942, Haggart became a studio musician and was on a countless number of sessions (particularly for Decca). In addition to his studio work, the busy bassist teamed up with Yank Lawson for recordings as the Lawson-Haggart Band. Bob Haggart participated in many Bobcat reunions with Bob Crosby, co-led the World's Greatest Jazz Band with Lawson starting in 1968, and was a steady fixture at many jazz parties and festivals through the years prior to his death on December 2, 1998.