Learn About Melba Liston

Have you ever heard of Melba Liston? 

Chances are the answer is "no". She is not a figure who is often studied in the world of music - but she is an inspiring and interesting woman for young people of all ages to learn about.

Melba Liston was a “true unsung hero of Jazz” and a trailblazer for women instrumentalists. She was one of the first female trombone soloists in a big band jazz ensemble, and one of the first women to compose and arrange for big band jazz acts.

About Melba Liston

Melba Liston (1926-1999) was a talented jazz trombonist, composer, and arranger who broke barriers for women in music. She began playing trombone at age seven and was playing solos on the radio by age eight. As a teenager, she joined big bands and eventually became known for her arrangements and compositions, working with famous musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Randy Weston.

Liston’s work helped pave the way for women in jazz, proving that women could excel in roles beyond singing.

The picture book Little Melba and Her Big Trombone is an excellent resource for children wanting to learn more about her. Enjoy this read-aloud I created for you - with some of Melba Liston's music playing in the background.

Learn About Melba Liston and Other Jazz Greats

Each February in our SQUILT LIVE! membership, we Jump into Jazz! This year, 2025, we have lessons about Charlie Parker and Melba Liston. Our PLUS members have access to our ENTIRE archive of lessons  (over 200 recorded lessons!), including the following Jazz lessons:

🎵 Scott Joplin
🎵 Jelly Roll Morton
🎵 Florence Mills
🎵 Benny Goodman
🎵 "I Got Rhythm"
🎵 Wynton Marsalis
🎵 John Coltrane
🎵 Vince Guaraldi
🎵 Trombone Shorty
🎵 Dizzy Gillespie
🎵 Ella Fitzgerald
🎵 Duke Ellington

Music Appreciation for Children 

Give your children a well-rounded music education and appreciation! Learning about musicians like Melba Liston broadens our world and enlivens our spirits! 

Whether it is through our PDF products or our LIVE! membership, we hope you can take advantage of all that SQUILT has to offer.