Matty Matlock

**Matty Matlock** was a jazz clarinetist, arranger, and Dixieland maestro whose career left a lasting mark on traditional American music. Born in Paducah, Kentucky, in 1907, he rose to prominence in the 1930s as a key member of the Bob Crosby Bobcats, a band celebrated for its rollicking Dixieland revival sound. Known for his smooth, lyrical clarinet style, Matlock also became a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, arranging music for big names like Judy Garland and Bing Crosby during his Hollywood years. His knack for blending classic New Orleans jazz with swing-era energy made him a sought-after collaborator, though he often flew under the public radar as an unsung studio pro.

Tracks like *Dixieland U.S.A.* and *Sports Parade* nod to his lifelong dedication to keeping traditional jazz alive, whether through lively performances or crisp arrangements. Even after the Dixieland craze faded, Matty kept the flame burning, leading his own groups and contributing to film and TV scores until his passing in 1978. A true bridge between early jazz and mid-century pop, he’s remembered as both a joyful performer and a humble craftsman of the American sound.