Category: Artist Passes

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

Buddy Greco, the Philadelphia-born pianist and vocalist that at one time performed with the Benny Goodman Orchestra, has died at his Las Vegas home. He was 90. Greco, who initially made his mark with a hit recording of “The Lady Is a Tramp,” toured and recorded with famed bandleader Benny Goodman, performed on dozens of … Continue reading Goodman Pianist & Vocalist Buddy Greco Passes

Kay Starr, the popular big band and jazz singer of the late ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s, known for her major hits “Wheel of Fortune” and “If You Love Me,” has died. Starr was 94. As a young girl, her talent for singing was noticed early on, in so much as she had her own 15 … Continue reading Singer Kay Starr Dies

Big Band legend and former Musician’s Union President Bobby Hales recently passed away at his home in Vancouver, Canada at the age of 82 from natural causes. Hales might very well be one of the last true “big band” leaders of the original Big Band era. Hales was known for his ability to pull together … Continue reading Big Band Leader Bobby Hales Passes