Irving Milfred Mole was better known as Miff Mole (11/03/1898 – 29/04/611) and was a jazz trombonist. He is widely considered to be one of the most influential jazz trombonists. Miff Mole was a Roosevelt, New York native. He was a child who studied piano and violin, and then switched to trombone at age 15. For two years, he played in Gus Sharp’s orchestra. He then switched to trombone at age 15. Mole and Red Nichols were the leaders of a group called “Miff Mole’s Little Molers” in 1926-9. They recorded often until 1930. Jack Teagarden, who arrived in New York in 1928 as a trombonist, quickly replaced Mole. He had a more blues-oriented, legato approach and was soon regarded as the role model for trombonists. Mole started his radio career in 1927 at WOR. He then switched to NBC (1929-1938). He was a member in 1938-40 of Paul Whiteman’s orchestra. However, his style had changed by the time he met Teagarden. Mole was a member of Benny Goodman’s orchestra in 1942-3. He also led various dixieland bands between 1942-7. In 1947-1954, he worked in Chicago. Mole only played sporadically in his final years due to poor health. He was a frequent visitor to Nick’s in Manhattan where he played alongside Pee Wee Russell and Baby Dodds. Miff Mole was killed in New York City on December 31, 1961. Unfortunately, a benefit gig to raise funds for him was cancelled. He was buried in the grave of a pauper. Text contributed by users is available under Creative Commons By–SA License. It may also be available under GNU FDL.
