JazzSnap: Ray Linn (c. 1940s)

Here's Ray Linn, on of the great section trumpeters of the big band era, ready for some long ball in sunny California. It could be 1941 based on the license plate. Or the "1" in the plate's date could be a "7," as in '47.

This snapshot comes from Betty's fabulous collection  of photos, sent along by her friend Chris. Betty has donated all of her prints, including this one, to Rutgers University's Institute of Jazz Studies. But since she and Chris also are big JazzWax readers, they wanted you to see them, too.

If the photo was indeed snapped in the summer of '41, Linn would have been with Woody Herman's band on the West Coast after leaving Tommy Dorsey's orchestra. Herman's band had some great ballplayers. If it's from '47, Linn had already relocated to Los Angeles to work as a studio trumpeter.

Want more JazzSnaps? Go to the right-hand column of JazzWax and scroll down to "JazzSnaps" for links.

JazzWax clip: Here's Woody Herman's Ten Day Furlough, a Lowell Martin arrangement from September 1941, recorded in Los Angeles for Decca with Ray Linn on trumpet. Also in the trumpet section were Steady Nelson and Cappy Lewis...

 

If the image is from 1947, here's Linn with Herman in August on Civilization...

 

Comments

[Chris Galuman]

I used to live in the same apartment building that Ray Linn did on Arch Drive in Studio City, Ca. in the early 1970's. Pianist Pat Manago also resided there. It was just down Ventura Blvd. frome The Times Jazz Club where I used to hear Irene Kral sing with Alan Broadbent. Thanks for posting and jogging my memory.

[Tim Mika]

Hi there, GREAT site! My grandmother Marge Murphy used to sing with Ray & the Chicago Stompers in the 70s & 80s.I recall being dragged in to King Arthurs out in the valley a few friday nights, Abe Lincoln poking with his trombone slide,Jack Sperling showing me how to do a double flam on the drums. Jazz Forum at Larchmont Hall on sunday afternoons....Who knew that what seemed like a punishment back then would be such fond memories now? Again, great site.

P.S. I never new that that "old guy" Gene Estes played with Frank Zappa 'til about 20 minutes ago.They shoulda' told me! :)