Corky Cornelius

Edward “Corky” Cornelius (b. December 3, 1914 – d. August 3, 1943) – Trumpet player. Although born in Indiana, Cornelius grew up in Binghamton, New York, and played with a series of bands in the 1930s. In the late 1930s, he joined Benny Goodman’s band, but he left to follow Gene Krupa, when the latter split to form his own group. While a member of the Krupa band, he met singer Irene Day, who became his wife. From 1941 to 1943, he played with the Casa Loma Orchestra and suddenly died of kidney failure during his stint with that group. He also played with a lesser-known band led by Frank Dailey. Known for his screeching abilities, Cornelius was considered to be one of the top young trumpet players of the swing era.