Fred Beckett

Jazz trombonist, born January 23, 1917 in Nellerton, Mississippi, died January 30, 1946 in St. Louis (tuberculosis). He played in various bands in the Midwest, including those led by Buster Smith, (1937-1938), Tommy Douglas (1937-1939), and Harlan Leonard. Beckett is best known as a member of Lionel Hampton's big band 1940-1944.