Yank Lawson; Jazz Trumpeter Played With Goodman, Dorsey

Yank Lawson, 83, jazz trumpeter who played with the big bands of Bob Crosby, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. Born John Rhea Lausen in Trenton, Mo., he began playing the trumpet, saxophone and piano as a teen-ager. His six-decade career started in a college dance band at the University of Missouri. He worked with Slaty Randall in 1931, Ben Pollack from 1932 to 1934, and Crosby from 1935 to 1938 and again in 1941 and 1942. He was with Dorsey from 1938 to 1940. After working with Goodman in 1942, Lawson moved into radio in New York City. He also performed on television, including the Steve Allen show. Lawson helped Crosby record “Dogtown Blues” and “Five Point Blues” and was heard playing solo for “Stormy Weather” recorded by Frank Sinatra. On Saturday in Indianapolis of a heart attack.