Francis Joseph 'Muggsy' Spanier, born on November 9, 1901, was a cornetist playing in the 'Chicago style' - a hybrid or transition from Dixieland to swing.  He had a busy 40-year career that included work in the bands of Ted Lewis, Ben Pollack, Bob Crosby and Earl Hines.  He also co-led the 'Big Four' Quartet with Sidney Bechet in 1940.  His work can be heard on a wide variety of recordings from this seminal period.  He was well-respected by fellow musicians - to quote Joe Bushkin, "Muggsy was a man of great integrity."