Bill Rank

Bill Rank (b. Lafayette, June 8, 1904 – d. May 20, 1979) – Trombonist. Bill Rank, a trombonist from Lafayette, was part of Jean Goldkette’s famous Victor Recording Orchestra (1924-29), which is considered the first all-white swing band. He also played with small groups that included Bix Beiderbecke – appearing on 13 sides together with Okeh Recorders – and with the Paul Whiteman Band. From 1942 to 1947, Rank played with Cincinnati’s WLS staff band while also leading a local Dixieland band called the Over the Hill Gang.