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 & Swing News
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
Pearl Bailey – An American Treasure
Vocalist. Actress. Ambassador. An American Treasure. That, in part, describes the life and talent of singer Pearl Bailey. Born in Newport News, Virginia at the end of World War One, her father was a pastor and her brother Bill a professional tap dancer. From an early age, Pearl had a talent for singing and often … Continue reading Pearl Bailey – An American Treasure
African-American Jazz & Swing Artists during Black History Month
Surrounded by shelves containing vintage recordings and a desk filled with various radio broadcasting apparatus, Craig Roberts gestured toward a stack of 78RPM records, “there sits some rare Ella Fitzgerald recordings for our 100th birthday tribute to the Queen of Jazz!”, he said with obvious pride. Roberts, who says his age is “the same as … Continue reading African-American Jazz & Swing Artists during Black History Month
Jazz by the Numbers: Neil Sheldon’s Equation for Great Music
It’s a little past 5 O’clock in the morning when I am startled out of a deep slumber by the clamor of the phone ringing. I fumble for the receiver in the darkness and mutter a half-hearted hello. A friend from the east coast is calling, clearly oblivious to the three hour time difference in … Continue reading Jazz by the Numbers: Neil Sheldon’s Equation for Great Music
Louis Prima Vocalist & Spouse Keely Smith 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
‘Hooked On Swing’ Leader Larry Elgart 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
