Mike Simpson

Mike Simpson entered the world in 1916 in Winter, Texas, taking up the clarinet at twelve before shifting his focus to brass instruments. After participating in high school ensembles in 1932, he moved through the groups led by Doc Ross, Chief Gonzales, Harry Diekman, and Art Kassel. Subsequent study brought him to both Chicago and New York; in 1939 he linked briefly with Gene Krupa in Baltimore before a disagreement ended the association, prompting his return to Chicago for further musical training.

He next aligned with Jimmy McPartland and Jack Teagarden while also appearing at the Chicago Theater. Upon completing his Navy Air Corps duties in World War II, Simpson wed vocalist Nova Coggan; the couple raised one son and two daughters. Abandoning a short-lived farming venture in Indiana near 1950, he turned to Broadway productions and contributed arrangements and performances for Ralph Marterie.

From 1952 to 1960 Simpson remained with CBS in Chicago, supplying live music for AM broadcasts and directing a jazz ensemble on the brief television program Jazz in the Round, while also laying down numerous commercial jingles.