Category: Artist Passes

Whenever fans of big band music discuss their favorite band of the World War II period, inevitably one of the top micks is Glenn Miller.  This August marked 80 years since legendary bandleader Glenn Miller’s last performance at RAF Twinwood, a military base north of London. Just months after this final show in August 1944, … Continue reading Tales from Twinwood – The Last Public Appearance of Glenn Miller

One of the last surviving ‘saloon singers’ of the big band era, he survived the rise of rock music and at the age of eighty-eight broke the record as the oldest living artist to have a number one album on the Billboard charts. Tony Bennett (born Anthony Benedetto August 3, 1926) was a renowned vocalist … Continue reading A Lauded Life in Music: Tony Bennett

The world of music mourns the passing of radio and TV personality Don Kennedy, the host of the nationally-syndicated “Big Band Jump” radio show. Don spent over 60 years in broadcasting, enchanting audiences with his passionate dedication to preserving and promoting the timeless melodies of the big band and swing era. Don Kennedy, born on … Continue reading Remembering Don Kennedy: Legendary Big Band Jump Host

She was perhaps the most recognizable female vocalist of the Second World War. Her million-selling record “We’ll Meet Again” became an anthem of hope for soldiers and civilians alike across both theaters of war. And her performances on radio gave reassurance to Londoners during the darkest days of the Blitz. Dame Vera Lynn has died … Continue reading A sad “Auf Wiedersehen” to WWII Sweetheart Vera Lynn

Whenever the topic of the Big Band Era is discussed by music critics, there generally holds an agreement that it lasted from 1935 to 1945. However, more astute fans of the era know that it never really ended. In ballrooms across America, many name bands continued to draw crowds even as their leaders became octogenarians. … Continue reading Chuck Cecil, Host of “The Swingin’ Years”, has Died at 97

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

Keely Smith, who made a name for herself as vocalist for big band legend Louis Prima, has passed at the age of 89. The wife of New Orleans-born swing trumpeter and singer Louis Prima (1910-1978), Smith became a household name when together they became the hottest act in Las Vegas in the 1950’s. The vocalist … Continue reading Louis Prima Vocalist & Spouse Keely Smith Passes

Larry Elgart, best known to younger generations as the musical genius behind the ‘Hooked On Swing’ hits and co-founder of the Elgart Big Band, has passed. The alto saxophone player worked with some of the most popular big bands of the era, including that of Tommy Dorsey, Red Norvo, Woody Herman, and Charlie Spivak. The … Continue reading ‘Hooked On Swing’ Leader Larry Elgart Passes

Bea Wain, former lead vocalist with Larry Clinton’s Orchestra and wife of famed radio announcer Andre Baruch, has died at her home in in Beverly Hills, California. The singer died at the age of 100 of congestive heart failure, according to her daughter, Bonnie Barnes. Wain was born in New York and began her singing … Continue reading Vocalist Bea Wain dies at 100

Big Band vocalist Harry Prime, who recorded such hits as “Until” with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, has passed away from natural causes at his home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Prime was 97. During the 1940’s and 1950’s, Harry Prime sang with many prominent big band orchestras, including Tommy Dorsey, Randy Brooks, Jack Fina, and the … Continue reading Dorsey Brothers Vocalist Harry Prime