Big Band & Swing News

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

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

Of Minnie the Moocher and Me: Bandleader Cab Calloway

In the vibrant world of swing, there are few figures as iconic and influential as Cab Calloway, the renowned band leader. Calloway’s talent, showmanship, and unique style made him a beloved and lasting figure of the swing era and beyond. Through his distinctive performances and captivating stage presence, Calloway brought swing to new heights and … Continue reading Of Minnie the Moocher and Me: Bandleader Cab Calloway

Charlie Barnet – Leader of “The Blackest White Band of Them All”

Saxophonist and bandleader Charlie Barnet was born into a wealthy family. His grandfather was Charles Frederick Daly, a vice-president for the New York Central Railroad, banker, and businessman. His father, a successful lawyer, wanted young Charlie to follow him into the family business. But Charlie had other plans. As a boy, Barnet attended exclusive boarding … Continue reading Charlie Barnet – Leader of “The Blackest White Band of Them All”

Jack Kapp – The Man with the Musical ‘Midas Touch’

He could not read or compose music, nor carry a tune. But for all of his personal ‘musical short comings’, he had an uncanny ability to discover musical talent in others. Born in Chicago, Illinois to a Jewish family of Russian immigrants, Jack Kapp (born Jacob Kaplitzky) was a record company executive with Brunswick Records … Continue reading Jack Kapp – The Man with the Musical ‘Midas Touch’

The Casa Loma – High on a Hill and High in Popularity

High on a hill in Toronto, Canada, sits ‘Casa Loma Castle’. Replete with gables, turrets and arches, the medieval castle boasts more than 100 rooms, 60 bathrooms, 5000 electrical lights, and the largest wine cellar in North America. It cost Canadian industrial magnate Sir Henry Pellatt more than $5 million dollars to construct between 1911 … Continue reading The Casa Loma – High on a Hill and High in Popularity

Kirby: One Fine Vacuum Cleaner Or One Fine Swing Musician?

He led one of the most influential small-groups of the swing era and played with such notable bands as Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and Benny Goodman. He also scored several hit standards including “Loch Lomond” and “Undecided”. And yet in spite of his innovation and talent, more people are inclined to associate the name “Kirby” … Continue reading Kirby: One Fine Vacuum Cleaner Or One Fine Swing Musician?