Taft Jordan distinguished himself early on as an accomplished trumpeter who, upon joining Chick Webb's ensemble, drew frequent comparisons to Louis Armstrong in both his instrumental work and singing. His version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" mirrored Armstrong's stage performances so closely that, upon the latter's eventual studio recording the next year, certain audiences suspected imitation on Armstrong's part. Prior to his extended association with Webb from 1933 to 1942, Jordan had already performed and cut sides with the Washboard Rhythm Kings; this affiliation with Webb persisted beyond the bandleader's passing, as Ella Fitzgerald took over fronting duties. Throughout the 1930s, Jordan shared primary trumpet solo responsibilities with Bobby Stark and slowly forged a distinctive personal style. His time in Duke Ellington's orchestra from 1943 to 1947 brought him considerable notice, yet he kept a more subdued presence over the subsequent 24 years. During that period he performed at New York's Savannah Club alongside Lucille Dixon from 1949 to 1953, joined Benny Goodman on tour in 1958, appeared with various show bands and the New York Jazz Repertory Company, and led his own ensemble. As a bandleader Jordan cut four selections in 1935 and issued single albums on Mercury, Aamco, and Moodsville in 1960 and 1961.
