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Robert Leo Hackett, born on January 31, 1915, in Providence, Rhode Island, was an American jazz trumpeter known for his versatility across swing music, Dixieland jazz, and mood music. Inspired by Louis Armstrong, he learned the cornet and trumpet after quitting school at 14 to play guitar and violin in local bands. Hackett's career began with local bands before moving to New York City in 1937, where he played with Joe Marsala. In 1938, Benny Goodman hired him to recreate Bix Beiderbecke’s solo of "I'm Coming Virginia" at Carnegie Hall. He joined Horace Heidt's band and then Glenn Miller's orchestra in 1941-1942, contributing to "A String of Pearls". From 1946 to 1961, Hackett worked at ABC while continuing live performances and recordings. He collaborated with Louis Armstrong in 1947's Town Hall Jazz Concert and recorded "I've Got a Crush on You" and "Body and Soul" with Frank Sinatra. In the 1950s, he was featured on Jackie Gleason’s mood music albums, leading to his signing with Capitol Records. Hackett toured with Tony Bennett in 1965-1967. He passed away on June 7, 1976.
