St. Clair Cobb
ST. CLAIR COBB
1895-1974
A World War I veteran born in Knox County, St. Clair Cobb founded the Knoxville Colored High School Band in 1923. He taught music at several elementary schools, Beardsley Junior High School, and Austin High School, which was previously located at this site. Revered in the community and a mentor to successful musicians, Cobb founded the Knoxville College Band in 1926 and the Black Elks Band in the 1940s. His bands won awards nationwide.