Matty Matlock

Matty Matlock distinguished himself as a skilled clarinetist while securing considerable arranging assignments throughout the 1950s on sessions characterized by Dixieland influences. Beginning clarinet studies at the age of 12, he gained experience across several obscure ensembles, one of which was directed by Jimmy Joy. Matlock remained with the ensemble after Ben Pollack’s orchestra transitioned into Bob Crosby’s during his tenure from 1929 to 1934. Although he grew occupied with arranging duties, he maintained intermittent performances alongside Crosby through 1942. Following this period, Matlock relocated to Los Angeles, where he took on studio work. He collaborated once more with both Red Nichols and Pollack, contributing to the soundtrack for the motion picture and subsequent television adaptation of Pete Kelly’s Blues. Throughout the 1950s, Matty Matlock directed the Rampart Street Paraders, engaged in numerous reunions featuring Bob Crosby, and sustained his performances until the middle of the 1970s. Regrettably, all of his leadership recordings issued on the X, Columbia, Tops, and Warner Bros. imprints between 1954 and 1960 have long been unavailable.