Known to millions in the ’20s & ’30s as “The King of Jazz”, Paul Whiteman was a pioneer of early Jazz music and discovered some of the most talented vocalists and musicians of the Big Band era. Born in Denver, Colorado in March of 1890, his mother was a former opera singer, and his father … Continue reading Paul Whiteman – The ‘King of Jazz’
Big Band & Swing News
The Glenn Miller Big Band That Failed
The year was 1935. Arranger and trombone player Glenn Miller had already experienced success in his musical career, and he was about to embark on his first “solo” career as a band leader. The Iowa native had entered the University of Colorado in 1923, but was an academic disappointment as he spent more time playing … Continue reading The Glenn Miller Big Band That Failed
Goodman Pianist & Vocalist Buddy Greco Passes
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
Singer Kay Starr Dies
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 Leader Bobby Hales Passes
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
Jazz Orchestra Thrills 1,000 Attendees At “Gatsby” Event
The Art Deco Society of California launched the fall of ’16 with a party attended by upwards of 1,000 fans of the Art Deco era in a scene straight out of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famed 1925 novel, “The Great Gatsby.” Held at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, the 32nd annual “Gatsby Summer Afternoon” event was an … Continue reading Jazz Orchestra Thrills 1,000 Attendees At “Gatsby” Event
Swing Music Delights Sold Out Audiences
To the delight of fans of Swing & Big Band music, the all-singing, all-dancing World War Two era musical “In The Mood” topped off 23 incredible years on the road with a half dozen sold out performances in Northern California just outside the state capital recently. Following the West Coast leg of their world-wide tour, … Continue reading Swing Music Delights Sold Out Audiences
Glenn Miller Orchestra Vocalist Passes
One of the better known voices of the Glenn Miller Orchestra was heard by millions- and yet never seen. Helen Patricia Friday (born 1921, died June 21, 2016) also known as Pat Friday, was born in Idaho and whose singing career highlight was working as a “ghost singer” for the world famous Glenn Miller Orchestra … Continue reading Glenn Miller Orchestra Vocalist Passes
Glenn Miller Museum holds 41st Glenn Miller Festival
Visitors and entertainers from around the world converge in Clarinda, Iowa, the birthplace of Glenn Miller, to celebrate the music of the great American bandleader, trombonist, composer and arranger. The festival begins with the annual Glenn Miller Music Scholarship competition as high school seniors and college freshmen from across the country compete in vocalist and … Continue reading Glenn Miller Museum holds 41st Glenn Miller Festival
Frankie Manning & The Lindy Hop
Considered the “World Ambassador” of the Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning was born on May 26, 1914 and died on April 27, 2009, and is considered one of the most celebrated Lindy Hopper of all time. The Lindy Hop was birthed in Harlem in the ‘20s and ‘30s, and became wildly popular across the nation. Manning was born … Continue reading Frankie Manning & The Lindy Hop
