Teddy Adams is many things aside from his ambassador designation: trombonist, arranger, composer, educator, and director. He began his lifelong love affair with the trombone and jazz in elementary school and started playing professionally while still in high school. His craft was largely developed while serving in the U.S. Air Force and in several bands in the U.S. and Asia.

After being stationed in Washington, D.C., and playing with musicians such as Bobby Timmons, and Wilbur Ware, he then spent eleven years in Asia, mainly in Tokyo and Bangkok. Teddy also performed with leading musicians, including Rufus Reid, Blue Mitchell, and Art Blakey.

Teddy will turn 85 this year.