When America entered World War II, many of the nation’s top entertainers answered the call to serve, bringing morale-boosting music to troops scattered across the globe. Among the most ambitious of these was Artie Shaw, one of the era’s most celebrated bandleaders, known for his virtuoso clarinet playing and a string of hits including “Begin … Continue reading Artie Shaw’s War: The Clarinetist Who Swung Into World War Two
Big Band & Swing News
Swing’s Unsung Heroes: The Story of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
In the vibrant, fast-paced world of 1930s swing, names like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Benny Goodman were giants on the marquee. But behind the bright lights of the Harlem Renaissance and the big band boom stood another outfit- less remembered, but no less formidable. The Mills Blue Rhythm Band was a powerhouse of musicianship … Continue reading Swing’s Unsung Heroes: The Story of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band
Jimmie Lunceford: The Educator Who Swung the Nation
Before he was leading one of the swing era’s most innovative and tightly disciplined orchestras, Jimmie Lunceford was teaching high school students in Memphis. But behind the teacher’s lectern stood a man whose love for music would push him to the center of American jazz history. With razor-sharp arrangements, clever showmanship, and a commitment to … Continue reading Jimmie Lunceford: The Educator Who Swung the Nation
Phil Harris: Swing, Southern Charm & the Golden Age of Radio
In the glittering era of swing music and golden-age radio, few personalities stood out quite like Phil Harris. With his slicked-back hair, devil-may-care attitude, and drawling Southern charm, Harris was more than just a bandleader—he was an entertainer in every sense of the word. From big band success to radio stardom alongside comedy legend Jack … Continue reading Phil Harris: Swing, Southern Charm & the Golden Age of Radio
Tales from Twinwood – The Last Public Appearance of Glenn Miller
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
Celebrating Henry Mancini: The Maestro’s 100th Anniversary
Henry Mancini, the legendary composer whose melodies are woven into the fabric of cinematic history, is being honored on the anniversary of his 100th birthday. Born on April 16, 1924, Mancini’s contributions to the world of music, particularly in film scoring, have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Mancini’s journey into the world of … Continue reading Celebrating Henry Mancini: The Maestro’s 100th Anniversary
Ray McKinley: A Rhythm Maker’s Musical Journey
Ray McKinley, born June 18, 1910, in Fort Worth, Texas, was a legendary American musician and band leader whose rhythmic prowess left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and swing. His career spanned several decades, and his multifaceted talents as a drummer, vocalist, and bandleader contributed significantly to the evolution of big band … Continue reading Ray McKinley: A Rhythm Maker’s Musical Journey
A Lauded Life in Music: Tony Bennett
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
Remembering Don Kennedy: Legendary Big Band Jump Host
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
Ambassador of Jazz to the Roaring Twenties: Gus Arnheim
The 1920s, smack-dab between a world war and a great depression, witnessed a flourishing cultural and artistic renaissance in America. The 1920s was a period of massive growth and innovation in music, witnessing the first electrical recordings, the explosion of jazz music, the proliferation of record players, the birth of radio. Among the notable figures … Continue reading Ambassador of Jazz to the Roaring Twenties: Gus Arnheim
