"Trumpeter Cootie Williams’ plunger-mute growl technique became a most significant element in the Duke Ellington band’s performances in the 1930s. In the early ’40s he left to join Benny Goodman’s superb sextet that had guitarist Charlie Christian and tenor saxist Georgie Auld as members. He also briefly fronted his own big band. However, he soon returned to the Ellington fold, resumed his essential role and remained until Duke’s death in the ’70s." ........The Jazz Image