Arthur "Pigmeat" Garner oral history, 2002 August 16

File — Multiple Containers

Staff Only

[Aviary] Arthur Garner oral history, 2002

Go to file

Scope and Contents

From the Series:

Oral histories were conducted by archives staff and by student interviewers. Most oral histories in this series include a transcript and an audio recording on cassette. Some files may contain related information about the subject.

Dates

Creation: 2002 August 16

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for use. Contact peabodyarchives@lists.jhu.edu for more information.

Extent

From the Collection: 4.87 Cubic Feet (17 boxes)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arthur "Pigmeat" Garner (1920-2011) was a saxophonist and member of the Royal Theater Orchestra. He played in the band at Douglass High School under the direction of W. Llewellyn Wilson. After graduating in 1939, he began playing with Tracy McCleary's Kentuckians at the Ritz and the Strand. During World War II, Garner performed with the 325th Army Band at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. In 1946, after his discharge from the Army, he returned to the band at the Royal Theater. He played with bands led by Rivers Chambers, Flink Johnson, Louis Hamlin, and Gene Walker. He also toured with Gene Ammons's group, playing the Apollo Theater and Howard Theater. This recording contains a conversation between Garner and Peabody Institute archivist Elizabeth Schaaf while they are viewing historic photographs of jazz musicians in Baltimore.