John Hubbard Beecher

John Hubbard Beecher, also known as Little John Beecher, (February 8, 1927 - August 6, 1987) was an American bandleader, jazz trumpeter and valve trombonist, and a singer of novelty songs. His band, "Little John Beecher and his Orchestra", was active throughout the 1950s, and was booked by National Orchestra Service of Omaha, Nebraska. Before forming his own band, he played trumpet with Lee Williams.

Biography

John Hubbard Beecher was born in Columbus, Georgia, to George August Beecher and Grace E. Beecher (nee Hubbard). He married Dorothy Ann Bigham (November 18, 1929 - November 3, 2007). The Beechers had two sons, Paul Hubbard Beecher and George Ferris Beecher, and a daughter, Laurie Ann Beecher, all of Atlanta. John Beecher died in Muscogee, Georgia in 1987.

Bands

*Lee Williams Orchestra
*Little John Beecher and His Orchestra — Beecher founded and served as it bandleader throughout the 1950s. The band, a territory band, finished 1959 using NOS as its booking agent; then, when Royce Stoenner left NOS and moved to Georgia, John Beecher followed and started working there through his agency.
* [http://www.cavaliersbigband.com The Cavaliers Orchestra] — Jimmy Fuller founded this group in 1946 and served as bandleader until 1976. Having played trumpet with the Cavaliers since 1973, John Beecher became its second bandleader in the spring of 1976. The Orchestra, based in Columbus, GA, is still in existence today.

Music Library

John donated his music library to Auburn University.

ee also

* Stewart "Dirk" Fischer
* Territory Bands

External links

* [http://www.nfo.net/territor/50States.html Territory Bands Data Base]

References