It was a typical New York evening… that January of 1944. The Metropolitan Opera House at 1411 Broadway in Manhattan had played host to many talented artists and vocalists. Enrico Caruso, Lawrence Tibbett and Conductor Arturo Toscanini had all graced its stage. But on that cold 18th of January in 1944, the Metropolitan Opera House … Continue reading “Mrs. Swing” Rocks the House – The Story of Mildred Bailey
Author: admin
Dancin’ With Anson – The Anson Weeks Story
He led a popular West Coast big band off and on for over 40 years. Many future artists got their start with his band, and his orchestra backed-up Bing Crosby on the 1932 Crosby hit “Please.” Bandleader and pianist Anson Weeks was born in 1896 in Oakland, California, across the bay from San Francisco. He … Continue reading Dancin’ With Anson – The Anson Weeks Story
Nat King Cole – The ‘Piano Man’
When his career was cut short at the age of 45, he had more than one hundred hits to his name and played to sold-out audiences across the nation. But his humble beginnings suggested his success on stage would be a hard-fought battle off stage. Born the son of a poor Baptist preacher in Montgomery, … Continue reading Nat King Cole – The ‘Piano Man’
Swingin’ High – The Bibulous Bunny Berigan
He was a musical child prodigy admired by the likes of Louis Armstrong and Harry James. His talent on the trumpet helped propel bandleaders like Benny Goodman to fame. But his love of liquor ultimately paved the way to a tragic ending for this electrifying musician of the 1930’s. Bunny Berigan was a handsome musician … Continue reading Swingin’ High – The Bibulous Bunny Berigan
It Had To Be You – Vocalist Dick Haymes
When big band aficionados gather to discuss their favorite crooners of the Big Band period, inevitably three names come up. Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Argentinian-born Dick Haymes. Haymes was perhaps one of the most popular vocalists of the 1940’s and 1950’s. Born to Irish and British parents in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1918, his … Continue reading It Had To Be You – Vocalist Dick Haymes
Arranger & Musical King Maker: The Jerry Gray Story
When musicians debate the question of which were the biggest hits to emerge from the big band era, inevitably two titles come to the forefront: Artie Shaw’s “Begin the Beguine” and Glenn Miller’s “A String of Pearls”. Ironically, neither of these two songs, both of which became million sellers, might never have become hits were … Continue reading Arranger & Musical King Maker: The Jerry Gray Story
Big Band Baritone Vic Damone Passes
To his fans, he was as much at ease with a gold club in his hands as a microphone. Vocalist and golf enthusiast Vic Damone sang with the greats (Sinatra, Como and Martin) and played golf with the greats (Hogan, Snead and Demaret). His smooth baritone earned praise from Frank Sinatra. Vic Damone died in … Continue reading Big Band Baritone Vic Damone Passes
A Man With A Horn – Harry James
He was a driving force behind Benny Goodman’s success. He launched the career of singer Frank Sinatra. And during the 40’s he married the most famous “Pin-up Girl” of the Second World War. Trumpeter and Bandleader Harry James began his music career playing in a traveling circus with his father in Texas. Later, Harry joined … Continue reading A Man With A Horn – Harry James
Broadcasting From A Bunker: Jay Lawrence’s Love of Big Bands
It is often said we remember where we were and what we were doing when the milestones of life occur. Your first kiss. That marriage proposal. The birth of your first child. But for many presenters, that time when the broadcasting bug first “bit” seems elusive. You just somehow always instinctively knew you were destined … Continue reading Broadcasting From A Bunker: Jay Lawrence’s Love of Big Bands
That “Sentimental Gentleman” of Swing
Trombonist and band leader Tommy Dorsey (or simply “TD” as many of his friends called him) was arguably one of the most important musical ‘influencers’ of the Big Band Era. Known to many as the “Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”, he gave a start to many fine vocalists including Frank Sinatra, Dick Haymes and the Pied … Continue reading That “Sentimental Gentleman” of Swing
