The Heartbeats (big band)

[1] The band was named The Heartstrings because most of the doctors worked in cardiology and stringed instruments (Dr. Cooley played the upright bass) dominated the original lineup.

The Heartbeats recorded in 1968 an album of popular music titled “Presenting, The Heartbeats.” Among the tunes covered were Tijuana Taxi, Java, Yesterday, and When the Saints Go Marching In.

[1] A second album of popular music titled “The Heartbeats Again” was released in 1972, again with proceeds benefitting the Texas Heart Institute.

By the mid-1970s, the band had migrated away from the Texas Heart Institute and was then made up of doctors with a wide range of specialties.

[3] Today, the Jazz Medics remains a volunteer band, primarily performing for groups at retirement homes, hospices, private events, and the like in the Houston area.