Originally
from Knoxville Tennessee, Bob Cunningham attended Knoxville Central High
School. While attending Central High, Bob served as right guard in the
Central High Marching Band as well as first chair trombone in the concert
band. In 1946 Bob won the honor of being named first chair trombone in
the East Tennessee Band Clinic held in Johnson City Tennessee.
After high school graduation Bob
attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville graduating in 1951 with a
major in Marketing and Retailing. During his college years Bob played
with Dick Jones Commanders a popular Knoxville dance and jazz band
that played for many of the dances at UT.
In 1994 Bob became one of the charter
members of a new big band that was forming in the Chattanooga area, the
Mid-South Jazz Band. This band eventually became the band known as
Sweet Georgia Sound today. Bob has been a faithful member of
this group since the very first rehearsal.
Bob lists Tommy Dorsey, Jack
Teagarden, and Buddy Morrow as his musical influences and inspirations.
Never married, Bob is a retired stock
broker.
As an interesting side note Bob adds
"I might add that I reached the finals in the Golden Gloves boxing
tournament in Knoxville in 1949 while going to UT, loosing a close decision
in the finals. I somehow feel that boxing and music are related, both
take rhythm."
