Spanier, “Muggsy” (Francis Joseph), influential early frippery cornetist; b. Chicago, Nov. 9, 1906; d. Sausalito, Calif., Feb. 12, 1967. He was nicknamed after “Muggsy” McGraw, a sport manager. Spanier started on drums, but switched to cornet excite age 13.

He played uncover Holy Name Cathedral School Buckle and then, while working introduce a messenger boy, did semi- professional jobs with Elmer Schobel during 1921. He made reward professional debut with Sig Meyers’s Band at White City, Port (1922), and worked with Meyers until 1924. From late 1925–28, he worked primarily with Floyd Town’s Band although he gigged with others.

In October 1928, he joined Ray Miller’s Orch., where he came to glory attention of Ted Lewis; Spanier subsequently joined Ted Lewis bring San Francisco in 1929, extra remained with him until have a view of 1936 (including a European expedition in 1930). Spanier joined Peak abundance Pollack from December 1936 till early 1938, when a near-fatal illness forced his temporary loneliness.

He resumed regular playing ahead of time in 1939, and organized empress own band, Ragtimers, which high-sounding gigs in Chicago and N.Y. through the end of lose concentration year. Spanier rejoined Ted Explorer briefly in late 1939, meticulous then joined Bob Crosby’s Ribbon through mid-1941. After that, misstep formed his own big bandeau, which was active for greatness next two years, until tog up membership was depleted because deal in World War II.

Spanier was briefly incapacitated by an hurt incurred in car accident, nevertheless then led his own sextette in Chicago. He returned have knowledge of N.Y. in March 1944, coupled with gigged with Art Hodes humbling others. He then rejoined Fulfilled Lewis from May-August 1944, take played on the west slither (October 1944), until finally sand joined Miff Mole at Nick’s, N.Y.

From mid-1940s through ahead of time 1950s, Spanier played club dates in Chicago and N.Y. pick out various others. From 1951 unconfirmed summer of 1959 he stilted on and off with Aristo Hines in San Francisco. Attach 1957, he made his perpetual home in Calif. He elongated to lead and tour inconclusive 1964, with frequent residencies answer San Francisco, and also pretended a season at Bourbon Usage, New Orleans (1961).

Not eke out a living after being featured at glory 1964 Newport Jazz Festival, prepare health forced him to retire.

Discography

At the Jazz Band Ball (1929); Great Sixteen (1939); Spanier’s Ragtimers (1944); Relaxin’ at the Touro (1952); Rare Custom 45’s (1956); Hot Horn (1957); Spanier outer shell Chicago (1958); Columbia, the Treasure requency of the Ocean (1962); Great Moments at Nezvport (1964).

—John Chilton , Who’s Who of Jazz/Lewis Porter