John Letman, born John Bernard "Johnny" Letman, was an American jazz trumpeter and vocalist known for his contributions to the traditional and mainstream jazz scenes. Born in McCormick, South Carolina, in 1917, Letman's career spanned several decades, during which he played with some of the most iconic figures in jazz history. His journey began in the Midwest, where he performed with bands led by Jerry Valentine, Scatman Crothers, and Jimmy Raschelle. By the mid-1930s, he had moved to Chicago, where he collaborated with notable musicians such as Delbert Bright, Bob Tinsley, Johnny Lang, and Nat King Cole.
Letman's career took a significant turn when he settled in New York in 1944. There, he joined the Phil Moore Four, Lucky Millinder, and Cab Calloway, among others, before becoming a prominent figure in the late 1950s. His hard bop style placed him alongside jazz legends like Roy Eldridge, Buck Clayton, and Shavers. Despite his extensive work and influence, Letman's recordings did not garner the widespread recognition they deserved during his lifetime. His legacy, however, endures through his contributions to the rich tapestry of American jazz.
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