Born Robert Scobey, Jr. on December 9, 1916 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, Bob Scobey was a jazz trumpeter and bandleader best known for his Dixieland-influenced recordings. His musical career began in the 1930s when he played in dance orchestras. By 1938, he had worked his way up to the second trumpeter position in the Yerba Buena Jazz Band. In 1949, he became a bandleader for his own group, Bob Scobey’s Frisco Band. As the band’s popularity grew, they began a three year residency at the Victor & Roxie’s in San Francisco, California in 1950. Vocalist and banjoist Clancy Hayes joined the group and would end up recording 200+ tracks with Scobey. The Frisco Band were busy during the ‘50s, appearing on Rusty Draper’s television show in 1952-1953, performing with jazz greats like Louis Armstrong, playing San Quentin Prison in 1955, and recording with Bing Crosby on his album Bing with a Beat (1957). He also recorded several albums as a bandleader including Bob Scobey’s Band (1955), Swingin’ on the Golden Gate (1957), Scobey & Clancy Raid the Juke Box (1958), College Classics (1958), and more. After several years of health issues, Bob Scobey died on June 12, 1963 of cancer. Since his death, there have been many compilations focusing on Bob Scobey & The Frisco Band.
