Big Band Times

Will Bradley His Life and Music

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:23:00 -0700

I am sorry for the quality of the sound. My mixer went out.
Wilbur Schwichtenberg, 12 July 1912, Newton, New Jersey, USA, d. 15 July 1989, Flemington, New Jersey, USA. Bradley played trombone with various bands in New York in the late 20s and at the beginning of the next decade established the working pattern for his whole career, combining studio work with playing in name bands. In the early 30s he recorded with Red Nichols and in 1935 was in the band assembled by Glenn Miller that played under the leadership of Ray Noble. In 1939 Bradley formed a big band with drummer Ray McKinley that enjoyed great popular success, owing in part to a string of orchestrated boogie-woogie numbers, including "Beat Me, Daddy, Eight To The Bar".

Erroll Garner His Life and Music ,The guy who wrote the song "Misty"

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 02:05:00 -0700

A self-taught pianist who never learned to read music, Erroll Garner was nevertheless one of the most popular jazz musicians of the 1950s. His swinging piano and gift for melody kept him on the top of the charts, and his most memorable tune, "Misty" (lyrics added by Johnny Burke) was a pop hit for five different artists between 1959 and 1975.

SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS

Wayne King AKA The Waltz King His Life and Music

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:53:09 -0700

A popular 30s bandleader, Wayne King has been compared to Lawrence Welk and Fred Waring. Known as the "Waltz King," his repertoire was made up of waltzes, novelty songs and sentimental recordings. The sound was copied by other musicians and made Wayne King famous. It was radio broadcasts, such as the Lady Esther Serenade, his Victor recording contracts and performances on Chicago's Aragon Ballroom that sold millions of recordings for Wayne King. Besides being a successful bandleader, Wayne King was also a saxophonist, often playing his instrument in the Wayne King Orchestra.

SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS

Vic Damone Prototypical Italian-American Crooner

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 06:29:00 -0700

One of the prototypical Italian-American crooners, Vic Damone parlayed a smooth, mellow baritone into big-time pop stardom during the '40s and '50s.

SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS

Geraldo and His Orchrestra

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 06:22:00 -0700

Gerald Walcan Bright was born in London, England on August 10 1904. A child prodigy, he received instruction at London's Royal Academy of Music and entered the work force playing piano and organ in movie theatres. At the age of 16 he ran away from home, boarded the HMS Cameronia and sailed to New York City and back as a member of the ship's dance orchestra.

SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS

Art Gillham THE WHISPERING PIANIST

Sat, 12 Sep 2009 06:15:16 -0700

Pioneer Radio Artist 1922-1954

On 300 radio stations before network broadcasting

1924 Election night broadcast 18 station hookup from WEAF

CBS depression era Syncopated Pessimism

First television demonstration in South 1939

SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS

Dorothy Shay Her Life and Music

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 03:31:00 -0700

Shay was born Dorothy Sims in Jacksonville, Florida. When she began her career as a 'straight' singer, she took vocal lessons to lose her Southern accent. She sang for the USO during World War II. Dorothy changed her name to "Shay" in order to not be confused with Ginny Simms, another performer of the day, choosing "Shay" to honor her mentor Betty Shay (Betty Shay later became Betty Corday when she married Ted Corday, producer of Days of our Lives) While performing with Morton Gould and his orchestra, she performed an encore, "Uncle Fud," a hayseed novelty number that became very popular and launched her solo singing career.

Loui Bellson Drummer Extraordinaire

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 16:23:34 -0700

Louie Bellson was an Italian-American jazz drummer. He was a composer, arranger, bandleader, and jazz educator, and is credited with pioneering the use of two bass drums.

Bellson was an internationally-acclaimed artist who performed in most of the major capitals around the world. Bellson and his first wife, the late actress and singer Pearl Bailey (married 1952-1990), had the second highest number of appearances at the White House (only Bob Hope had more). He was a vice president at Remo, a drum company.

Roy Bargy His Life and Music

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:13:39 -0800

Bargy's work for the Benson Orchestra established him as a triple-threat talent, and his services were soon sought out by other bands. In late 1921, after a falling out with Benson, Bargy left and formed his own orchestra, taking many members of the group with him. He disbanded a few years later and joined the band led by composer-saxophonist Isham Jones. In 1928, Bargy began a twelve-year association with Paul Whiteman's great dance orchestra as pianist/arranger. Now his experience in editing and writing songs for the old Imperial Piano Roll company stood him in good stead. Many of the early Whiteman arrangements were done by Bargy. He remained with Whiteman until 1940 working not only as a Pianist and arranger, but even becoming second in command and often leading the band when Whiteman couldn't be present. Not too well recalled now, but it was Bargy's piano that was afeatured attraction during Whiteman's famous debut of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".

Vaughn Monroe His Life and Music

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:27:00 -0800

Vaughn Wilton Monroe was born October 7, 1911 in Akron, Ohio, and his family moved to Wisconsin shortly thereafter. Monroe showed an early talent for the trumpet and focused most of his early efforts on that. Monroe wanted to be an opera singer, but the Depression made pursuing such a career impractical. Instead, he sang as a vocalist with several bands, among them Austin Wylie (who later worked for Artie Shaw), Larry Funk (for which he made his recording debut), and Jack Marshard. It was Marshard who realized Monroe's talent, brought him out from the brass section, and turned him into a conductor. At the urging of Marshard and many others, Monroe started his own orchestra in 1940. RCA Victor immediately signed him to a contract. From 1940 until 1954, he had over 70 chart hits. One of these is the one he's best known for today: "Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!", the 1946 version of which is heard at the end of the first two Bruce Willis "Die Hard" films.

Ben Bernie His Life and Music

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:20:46 -0800

A composer ("Sweet Georgia Brown"), author, violinist and conductor, he was educated at the NY College of Music, City College of New York, and the Columbia School of Mines. Beginning hisvaudeville act while selling violins in a New York department store, he organized his own orchestra in 1922, playing a long engagement at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York, then toured Europe. He toured with Maurice Chevalier, and was featured on radio for twenty years. Joining ASCAP in 1934, his musical collaborators were Kenneth Casey, Al Goering, Walter Hirsch, and Maceo Pinkard. Song compositions include "Who's Your Little Whoosis?", "I Can't Believe It's True", "Holding My Honey's Hand", "A Bowl of Chop Suey and Yooey", "After The Dance Was Over", "Was Last Night The Last Night?", "Ain't That Marvelous (My Baby Loves Me)", and "Strange Interlude".

Columbia Presents Harry James-New York Astor Hotel-44-06-07

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:52:00 -0800

One of the most popular bandleaders of the wartime era, Harry James is best remembered today for his colorful trumpet playing and as the husband of pin-up girl Betty Grable . Born in a run-down hotel next to the city jail in Albany, Georgia, Harry's parents were circus performers -- his mother a trapeze artist and his father the bandleader. James began playing drums at age seven and took up the trumpet at ten, performing for the Christy Brothers circus band.

James' family later settled in Beaumont, Texas, and he began playing for local dance bands while in high school. In 1935 he joined Ben Pollack's orchestra, leaving in December 1936 for Benny Goodman. During his time with Goodman, James became very popular with the jazz crowd for his colorful, ear-shattering, trumpet playing. He became so popular that when he decided to leave Goodman in December 1938 to form his own band Goodman himself financed the outfit.

Harry James and His Music Makers debuted in February 1939 at the Benjamin Franklin Hotel in Philadelphia. They made their first recordings for Brunswick.Connie Haines was the female vocalist. In June of that year James hired an inexperienced Frank Sinatra as his male vocalist.

The orchestra did well in New York, but its high-swinging sound wasn't well-received outside the city. A trip to Los Angeles proved financially disastrous, and the band struggled to make it through a booking at the Sherman Hotel in Chicago. Tommy Dorsey was in Chicago at the same time and was having problems with his male vocalist. He offered Sinatra a job. With Sinatra's wife expecting and the band's financial future uncertain James let him go. He was soon replaced by Dick Haymes , who went on to become one of the top male vocalists of the era.

In early 1940 James began recording with Varsity, a minor label. Although his records weren't selling well with the public he was greatly admired by other musicians. James, however, wasn't content with his financial picture and decided to adopt a new sound. He announced he was adding a string section. Horrified reactions from the jazz crowd convinced him to abandon the idea. However, in 1941 when he signed with Columbia the label's A&R director made the same suggestion. James followed through and recorded several schmaltzy ballads and semi-classical selections, including the now famous ''You Made Me Love You.'' Though jazz fans cringed the new sound proved popular with the public, and the band was on its way to stardom.

Haymes left the band in 1942, replaced by Johnny McAfee as lead male vocalist. James had gone through a string of female vocalists -- Haines, Helen Ward , Dell Parker, Bernice Byers, and Lynn Richards -- until he hired Helen Forrest in 1941. She turned out to be one of his most valuable assets. With Harry's sentimental horn and Helen's emotional singing the band was at its peak and soon began to receive movie offers.

While working in Hollywood, James met actress Betty Grable. Though James was married to vocalist Lousise Tabin at the time he fell in love with Grable and divorced Tobin. James and Grable were married on July 5, 1943. Shortly thereafter Forrest left the orchestra to begin a solo career. Helen Ward was brought back to replace her. Buddy DeVito was male vocalist. Around that time Harry's band began to suffer from the draft. James himself, who had been originally classified 4-F, was in danger of being reclassified as fit for duty. When he was called to take his physical in February 1944 he put the band on notice, and his radio sponsor cancelled his program. James was reclassified 4-F again, however, and he called back together some of his old personnel.

The new orchestra continued to be successful, with Kitty Kallen as its featured vocalist, but Harry's interest were turning away from music. He had become a regular cast member on Danny Kaye's radio series, and he and Betty were devoting a great deal of time to raising their racehorses. He began to perform less and less.

When the bottom fell out of the band business in 1946 James called it quits. He didn't stay away for long however. He formed a new outfit the following year and continued to lead bands off and on until his death. He gave his last performance in Las Vegas just nine days before dying of lymphatic cancer in July 1983.

Benny Goodman Swing School 8-24-37

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:41:00 -0800

By 1929, Goodman was living in New York, where he organized his first swing band, in 1934. The group became one of the first successful swing bands. At his peak in the mid 1930s, Goodman landed a regular slot on the radio series Let's Dance. After the show was canceled, in 1935, the band struggled, playing one-night stands to unappreciative audiences craving traditional dance music, not newfangled swing. But on August 21, 1935, the band gave a famous performance at the Palomar Theater in Los Angeles. Broadcast nationally, the concert drew an enormous audience and is frequently credited as the kickoff of the swing era.

The following year, Goodman continued to spread jazz across the airwaves with his own show, Benny Goodman's Swing School, which ran for three years. Goodman became known as the "King of Swing." He also became the first jazz musician to record classical works. Goodman later experimented with other jazz styles and toured throughout the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, visiting Europe, Asia, and South America as America's ambassador of jazz. He died in 1986.

Glenn Miller On German Radio 1944

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:33:00 -0800

That's how the British often referred to the three million American GIs stationed in England before the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. But the British fell in love with Miller's band following its arrival a few weeks after D-Day. The band was renamed "the Band of the Allied Expeditionary Forces." The AEF band immediately began a hectic schedule of concerts, dances, and radio broadcasts.

"We didn’t come here to set any fashions in music," Miller wrote from England in 1944 to George Simon (who 30 years later would write Miller’s biography). "We merely came to bring a much-needed touch of home to some lads who have been here a couple of years." On Aug. 14, 1944, Miller was promoted to major.

On Oct. 30, 1944, Miller and the entire AEF Band went to Studio 1 of HMV's (His Master's Voice) Abbey Road Studios in London (the same studios the Beatles would use some 20 years later) to record the first of six one-half hour radio programs to be beamed toward German troops. All announcements and most lyrics were transliterated into German. The six-show series began airing on Nov. 8th. The recording equipment in these studios was state of the art for the 1940s.

Benny Goodman NBC Remote-Chicago Panther Room 1941-08-10

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 02:54:00 -0800

Benny Goodman,Born into a large, poverty stricken family, Benny began playing the clarinet at an early age. He was associated with the Austin High School Gang, having gone to school with drummer Dave Tough. By the time he was twelve, Goodman appeared onstage imitating famous bandleader/clarinetist Ted Lewis. It was at this concert that Ben Pollack heard the young clarinetist and Benny was soon playing in Pollack’s band. Goodman’s first recordings were made with the Pollack group in 1926, and give a strong example of Benny’s influences at the time including Jimmie Noone, who was then with Doc Cook and His Dreamland Orchestra and Leon Roppolo of the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. During this period Goodman recorded his first sides as a leader with members of the Pollack band including one 1928 date which features the only known recording of Benny on alto and baritone saxophones.

Following the musical migration out of Chicago and into New York, Goodman became a very successful and popular free-lancer, joining the likes of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey in New York studios. In 1934 Benny put together his first big band, featuring Bunny Berigan on trumpet, Jess Stacey on piano and Gene Krupa on drums. With the addition of some excellent, sophisticated arrangements by Fletcher Henderson, the “Swing Era” was born.

Goodman spent the next fifty years recording and touring with various groups big and small, including some very successful trips to Russia and the Far East. He also played many concerts on a classical format that received mixed reviews.

Known by musicians for his stand-offish and “cheap” nature, many sidemen had a love/hate relationship with Goodman. Many musicians claimed that Benny was dishonest when it came time to pay off the band and many more recalled the Goodman “ray”, the dirtiest of looks received when a mistake was made. That aside, its clear that without Goodman the “Swing Era” would have been nowhere near as strong when it came, if it came at all.

Artie Shaw (Best of Live Broadcasts) 1939-1943 Part 003

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:51:00 -0800

Artie Shaw was a leading jazz clarinetist and big band leader of the mid-20th century. His 1938 recording of Begin the Beguine made him a popular rival to superstar clarinetist Benny Goodman. Shaw developed a reputation as a reluctant and somewhat grouchy genius; his big bands were roaring successes but he frequently broke them up, only to form new bands months or years later. He also dabbled in symphonic music and avant-garde jazz combos and led a U.S. Navy big band during World War II. Later Shaw wrote books, including the semi-autobiographical The Trouble With Cinderella (1952). A famous ladies' man in his day, Shaw was married eight times, including marriages to Hollywood beauties Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Always unpredictable, Shaw quit the music business in 1954, though a big band bearing his name was reformed in 1983 and continued touring into the 21st century.

Artie Shaw (Best of Live Broadcasts) 1939-1943 Part 002

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:49:00 -0800

Artie Shaw was a leading jazz clarinetist and big band leader of the mid-20th century. His 1938 recording of Begin the Beguine made him a popular rival to superstar clarinetist Benny Goodman. Shaw developed a reputation as a reluctant and somewhat grouchy genius; his big bands were roaring successes but he frequently broke them up, only to form new bands months or years later. He also dabbled in symphonic music and avant-garde jazz combos and led a U.S. Navy big band during World War II. Later Shaw wrote books, including the semi-autobiographical The Trouble With Cinderella (1952). A famous ladies' man in his day, Shaw was married eight times, including marriages to Hollywood beauties Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. Always unpredictable, Shaw quit the music business in 1954, though a big band bearing his name was reformed in 1983 and continued touring into the 21st century.

Artie Shaw (Best of Live Broadcasts) 1939-1943 Part 001

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:43:23 -0800

Bowery Boys in Blitzrieg 1941

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:13:00 -0800

East Side Kids get into boxing. When Danny shows signs of heading down a criminal path with small time hood Monk Martin and get disqualified from a boxing tournament, Muggs takes Danny's place in the Golden Gloves. Things go from bad to worse, when Monk and his "colleagues" make the public believe that Muggs is going to take a dive in tournament, when it becomes clear that Muggs has the chops to win. Danny must decide where is loyalty lies and team up with Muggs to vindicate both of them.

Rhythm and Blues Revue 1955

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:03:00 -0800

Musical variety show filmed at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City featuring a cast of popular African-American performers: Willie Bryant, Freddie Robinson, Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, Faye Adams, Bill Bailey, Herb Jeffries, Amos Milburn, Sarah Vaughan, Nipsey Russell, Big Joe Turner, Martha Davis, Little Buck, Nat 'King' Cole, Mantan Moreland, Cab Calloway and Ruth Brown.

Paul Ash and His Orchestra

Sat, 29 Nov 2008 07:05:00 -0800

Paul Ash was the leader of orchestras that primarilly played in movie theatres throughout the United States during the 1920s and 1930s. He worked in the Chicago's McVickers Theatre and Oriental Theatre, the Paramount Theatre in Brooklyn and Manhattan as well as the Granada Theatre in San Francisco during which time his records were released under the name of Paul Ash and His Granada Orchestra.

Big Band Sounds from 1935

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:25:00 -0800

Big Band Sounds from 1935 this week. Don't forget that this is your source for memories of the best of the Big Band Era. Join us each week as we explore the world of Big Bands, Jazz, and the Blues.

BigBand Music from 1950s

Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:21:12 -0800

Great Big Band Music from the 1950s

BigBand Music from 1940s

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:06:30 -0700

Big Band Variety Music from the 1940s

BigBand Music from 1920s-1930s

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:21:03 -0700

Great Big Band Music from the 1920s and 1930s

Art Mooney His Life and Music

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 14:40:27 -0700

This week we feature Art Mooney and His Orchestra. We will look at his life and of course listen to his great music.

Bobby Hackett and His Orchestra

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:18:18 -0700

Big Band Times presents Bobby Hackett His Life and Music.

Horace Heidt His Life and Music

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 14:39:25 -0700

The music and life of Horace Heidt and His Orchestra

Jazz Great Art Tatum His Life and Music

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:19:56 -0700

Jazz Great Art Tatum His Life and Music

Sam Nanin and His Orchestra

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:22:00 -0700

Sam Nanin His Life and Music 1920s-1930s, Great Dance Band Music

Erskine Hawkins His Life and Music

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:21:00 -0700

Erskine Hawkins and His Orchestra is featured this week. 1938-1940

Big Band Times 31 The Boswell Sisters

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:52:00 -0700

The Big Band Times presents The Boswell Sisters, One of the all-time greatest jazz vocal groups, the Boswell

Sisters, Martha, Vet and Connee a.k.a. Connie from the years 1930-1936 with bonus songs with Bing Crosby.
background music, Carroll Gibbons,Room Five Hundred and Four

Eddie Duchin His Life and Music

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 11:03:15 -0700

Eddie Duchin and His Orchestra are featured this week.

Jack Smith His Life and Music

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:42:25 -0700

Whispering Jack Smith His Life and Music

Mary Martin Her Life and Music

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:37:21 -0700

Mary Martin was a Broadway superstar in the 1950s, when she played spunky characters like Peter Pan and Maria von Trapp and won four Tony Awards in 13 years. Martin's stardom as a singer, dancer and actress began in New York City in 1938 with her nightly show-stopping rendition of "My Heart Belongs to Daddy" in the Cole Porter musical Leave it to Me. She then made 10 films in four years with Paramount Pictures, but her real power remained on the Broadway stage, where she returned in the 1940s. Four Tony Awards for lead roles followed: special recognition in 1948 for the touring production of Annie Get Your Gun and best actress in a musical for South Pacific (1950), Peter Pan (1955) and The Sound of Music (1960). (Both South Pacific and The Sound of Music were written by Broadway titans Rodgers and Hammerstein.) Martin was in her 40's when she started flying around the stage, suspended by cables, as Peter Pan, the magical, elf-like boy who refuses to grow up -- a role she recreated on network television.

Kitty Kallen Her Life and Music

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:35:30 -0700

Kitty Kallen Her Life and Music
She was one of the top female vocalists during the Big Band era. She appeared with Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, among others, and is featured on many of the biggest hits of the era. In addition, during the Fifties she had several solo hits including "My Coloring Book," "In the Chapel in the Moonlight," and the-over-a-million seller (at a time when selling a million records was really an accomplishment) "Little Things Mean a Lot."

Jack Teagarden His Orchestra and Music

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:14:41 -0700

The Music of Jack Teagarden and His Orchestra

Ruth Etting Those Magic Years

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 09:31:00 -0700

Big Band Times presents Ruth Etting 1928-1935 Those Magical Years. The music in this program is listed in order of play;

1) "Love Me Or Leave Me" 1928
2) "Now That You're Gone" 1931
3) "Mean To Me" 1929
4) "Ten Cents A Dance" 1930
5) "Button Up Your Overcoat" 1929
6) "Holding My Honey's hand" 1932
7) "Happy Days and Lonely Nights" 1928
8) "When We're Alone" 1932
9) "Now I'm In Love" 1929
10) "Life Is A Song" 1935
11) "Nevertheless"
12) "Back In Your Own Back Yard" 1928

The Mills Brothers

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 07:20:23 -0700

Big Band Times presents the fabulous Mills Brothers and their Music

Bill Finegan Arranger,Composer,Musician

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:14:37 -0700

Tribute to Bill Finegan Arranger, Composer, Musician who passed away June 10,2008. Finegan began his career during the 1930s and gained recognition as a top arranger with Glenn Miller, contributing to the bandleader's first hit "Little Brown Jug". He also worked with Tommy Dorsey for several years.

Bob Howard and Orchestra 1935-1938

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 09:28:54 -0700

Big Band Times presents Bob Howard and His Orchestra from 1935-1938 Forgotten by many this orchestra filled with great musicians entertained audiences as part the the Big Band Era.

Sister Groups 1940-1950 2of2

Sat, 31 May 2008 11:00:40 -0700

Big Band Times presents Sister Groups and Their Music From 1940-1950 Part 2 of 2
Included are the Andrews Sisters,DeCastro Sisters,King Sisters,Dinning Sisters,and The Demarco Sisters

Greatest Sister Groups from 1920s-1950s Part 1

Sat, 24 May 2008 20:24:12 -0700

Greatest Sister Groups and their music from the 1920s-1950s Part 1 of 2

Brother Groups 1940s and 1950s Conclusion

Sun, 18 May 2008 04:55:00 -0700

Brother Groups from the 1940s and 1950s will entertain you with some of the best music ever. The conclusion of a 3 part series.

Brother Groups 1940s Part 2 of 3

Sat, 10 May 2008 10:07:55 -0700

Greatest Brother Groups from the 1940s Part 2 of 3

Brother Singing and Big Band Groups Part 1

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:27:22 -0700

This week we explore Brother Singing and Big Band Groups from the 1920s-1940s. Part 1 The 1920s

Bub Freeman Great Saxophonist and His Music

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:51:32 -0700

Bud Freeman Great Saxophonist and His Music
He became one of the first great innovators on tenor sax. He played with swing bands led by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey, but Bud Freeman was happiest leading his own smaller, hot jazz bands. Listen to recordings of Bud Freeman playing his compositions like “The Eel,” and you can hardly believe that he had little formal musical training. Except for a few basic lessons when he was a kid, his music education consisted of “total immersion” in live jazz performances.

Joe Sullivan Great Pianist and His Music

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 13:11:20 -0700

Big Band Times presents Joe Sullivan Great Pianist and His Music from the 30s and 40s.He graduated from the Chicago Conservatory and was an important contributor to the Chicago jazz scene of the 1920s. Sullivan's recording career began late in 1927 when he joined McKenzie and Condon's Chicagoans. Other musicians included Jimmy McPartland, Frank Teschemacher, Bud Freeman, Jim Lanigan and Gene Krupa. In 1933, he joined Bing Crosby as his accompanist, recording and making many radio broadcasts. After suffering for two years with tuberculosis, he briefly rejoined Bing Crosby in 1938 and the Bob Crosby Orchestra in 1939.

Bob Crosby His Orchestra and His Music

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:50:23 -0700

Big Band Times presents Bob Crosby His Orchestra and His Music

Hank Williams The Legend and His Music

Sat, 05 Apr 2008 13:37:07 -0700

Big Band Times proudly presents Hank Williams The Legend and His Music

Ina Ray Hutton Female Big Band Leader and Her Music

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:43:41 -0700

Big Band Times presents Ina Ray Hutton,Big Band Leader and Her Music

Russ Columbo His Life and Music

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 09:35:19 -0700

Big Band Times presents Russ Columbo His Life and Music

Betty Hutton Her Life and Music

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:07:42 -0700

Betty Hutton Her Life and Music

Stan Kenton and His Orchestra

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:22:41 -0800

Big Band Times presents the great music of Stan Kenton and His Orchestra

The Four Aces

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:25:00 -0800

The Four Aces,
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Three Coins In The Fountain"
2) "Stanager In Paradise"
3) "Mister Sandan"
4) "Dream"
5) "Melody Of Love"
6) "Love Is A Many Splendored Thing"

Those Oldie But Goodies Show

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:41:00 -0800

The best of Doo Wop and Oldies from the 50s and 60s.

Big Band Times presents Jo Stafford

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:40:06 -0800

Big Band Times presents Jo Stafford is an American popular singer whose career spanned the late 1930s through the early 1960s. Stafford is greatly admired for the purity of her voice and is considered one of the most versatile vocalists of the era.

The Boswell Sisters All-Time Greats

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:46:00 -0800

The Boswell Sisters, One of the all-time greatest jazz vocal groups, the Boswell Sisters, Martha, Vet and Connee a.k.a. Connie from the years 1930-1936 with bonus songs with Bing Crosby.

Doo Wop and Oldies Show

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 11:07:32 -0800

The Best of the Doo Wop and Oldies songs that make up the sound track of your life from the 50s and 60s.

Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 10:17:04 -0800

Big Band Times presents Roger Wolfe Kahn and His Orchestra

Kay Kyser and His Music

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:34:00 -0800

Kay Kyser and His Music 1929-1948. The music in this program is listed in order of play;

1) "Three Little Fiishies" 1939
2) "Jingle Jangle Jingle" 1942
3) "Two Sleepy People" 1938
4) "Music Maestro Please" 1938
5) "Shine On Harvest Moon"
6) "Indian Summer" 1939
7) "Collegiate Fanny" 1929
8) "Did You Mean It" 1936
9) "Just A Haven" 1929
10) "Takin' Miss Mary To The Ball" 1948

Doo Wop and Oldies Show

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:28:46 -0800

Those Oldie but Goodies Podcast, Your home for the best Doo Wop and Oldies sounds from the 50's & 60's.

NEW PRICING!!!!Beatles Fans check out Pop Go The Beatles a 45 CD Anthology of the Beatles for an amazing special of $169 (45 CDs) or set 1 for $69.99 (14 CDs) at htp://www.BeatlesNetwork.com

Greatest Big Bands and Singers

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 15:01:32 -0800

Big Band Times present the Greatest Big Bands and Singers from the Big Band Era.

Ray Nobel and His Orchestra

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:28:00 -0800

Ray Nobel and His Orchestra 1933-1937. Most vocals are Al Bowlly The music in this program is listed in order of play;

1) "The Very Thought Of You" 1941
2) "Butterflies In The Rain" 1933
3) "Big Chief De Sota" 1936
4) "Linda"
5) "Dinner For One, Please James" 1935
6) "Love Is The Sweetest Thing" 1932
7) "Experiment" 1933
8) "Got A Date With An Angel" 1931
9) "The Moment I Met You" 1933
10) "If You'll Say Yes, Cherie" 1933
11) "Paris In The Spring" 1935
12) "Where Am I?" 1935
13) "Who Walks In When I Walk Out" 1934
14) "The Touch Of Your Lips" 1936

Ruth Etting and Her Music

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:20:31 -0800

The Great Ruth Etting 1928-1935 The music in this program is listed in order of play;

1) "Love Me Or Leave Me" 1928
2) "Now That You're Gone" 1931
3) "Mean To Me" 1929
4) "Ten Cents A Dance" 1930
5) "Button Up Your Overcoat" 1929
6) "Holding My Honey's hand" 1932
7) "Happy Days and Lonely Nights" 1928
8) "When We're Alone" 1932
9) "Now I'm In Love" 1929
10) "Life Is A Song" 1935
11) "Nevertheless"
12) "Back In Your Own Back Yard" 1928

Big Band Times Greats From The Big Band Era

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:06:49 -0800

Big Band Times presents the Greatest Big Bands and Singers From The Big Band Era Variety Show

Big Band Times Greatest From Big Band Era

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 08:28:21 -0800

Big Band Times presents the Greatest Bands and Singers from the Big Band Era Show

Big Band Times Pete Johnson Jazz Piano Great

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 08:33:00 -0800

Big Band Times presents the greats from the Big Band Era, this week Pete Johnson Jazz Piano Great

Big Band Times Russ Morgan and His Orchestra

Sat, 19 Jan 2008 07:49:10 -0800

Big Band Times presents the greats from the Big Band Era, this week Russ Morgan and His Orchestra

New Years Eve 2008 Special

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 14:12:11 -0800

Big Band Times present New Years Eve Special 2008 with Guy Lombardo

Big Band Times 49 Christmas Music Special 3 of 3

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:12:34 -0800

Big Band Times presents Christmas Music Special 3 of 3

Big Band Times Christmas Special 2 of 3

Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:51:32 -0800

Big Band Times present music from the past Christmas Special 2 of 3

Big Band Times 47 Christmas Music Special 1 of 4

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:53:04 -0800

Big Band Times presents Christmas Music from the Big Band Era, 1 of 4

Big Band Times 45 Chick Webb & His Orchestra

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 09:17:00 -0800

Big Band Times presents Chick Webb is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most influential jazz drummers of all time. Webb led the self-named Chick Webb Orchestra from 1926 to 1939 during the Swing Period of jazz. Music included in the program :The Rhythm Man,Clap Hand! Here Comes Charlie, I Want To Be Happy, Just a Simple Melody, Rock It For Me, I Got A Guy, A-Tisket, A Tasket, Liza, My Heart Belongs To Daddy, Undecided, and In The Groove At The Groove. Purchase Chick Webb Music Here

Those Oldies But Goodies 1 The Best in Doo Wop and Memories

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:15:00 -0800

Those Oldies but Goodies #11 Your home for the best of Doo Wop Sounds from the 50's & 60's. Tunes list in order of play;

1) For Me and My Girl by The 4 J's, 2)Money by The 5 Pennies,3)Our Wonderful Love by The Accents, 4)Shine Again by The Adelphis, 5)All For You by The Admirations, 6)A Moment Ago by The Angels, 7) Never Go by Valentine & The Apollos, 8) Vacation Days are Over by The Argyles, 9)Dearest Little Angle by The Autumns,10)Sentimental Journey by The Baritones, 11)Blue Eyes by The Big Five

Those Oldies But Goodies 1

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 10:11:47 -0800

Those Oldies but Goodies #10 Your home for the best of Doo Wop Sounds from the 50's & 60's. Tunes list in order of play;

1) Please Say You Want Me by Kenny Vance & The Planotones, 2)The Way You Look Tonight by The Jaguars,3)My lonely Way by The Skyliners 1959, 4)Doo Wop Memories by The Chaperals, 5)Crazy For You by The Five Heartbreaks, 6)Just A Shoulder To Cry On, 7) Doo Wop All Stars, 8) A Sunday School Romance 1959, 9)Close Your Eyes by The Admirals 1955,10) Moonlight by The Admirations 1964, 11)Remember by The Aladdins 1955, 12)Closing Song It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday by Kenny Vance & The Planotones

Beatles Fans check out Pop Go The Beatles a 45 CD Anthology of the Beatles for an amazing special of $179 or set 1 for $69.99 at htp://www.BeatlesNetwork.com

Big Band Times 44 Mississippi Blues&Jazz

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 09:04:32 -0800

Big Band Times pays tribute to Mississippi Blues & Jazz from 1928-1940. Ruben Lacey, Mississippi John Hurt(cover photo), Frankie Trumbauer,Charlie Patton, Mississippi Mud Steppers,Mississippi Bracy, Jimmie Rodgers,Delmore Brothers, Bukka White and Lewis Bronzeville Five.

Big Band Times 43 New Orleans Jazz 1923-1941

Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:16:46 -0800

Big Band Times presents at tribute to New Orleans Jazz from 1923-1941 featuring; Cotton Pickers, New Orleans Bootblacks, Sidney Bechet, New Orleans Feetwarmers, Jelly Roll Morton Peppers, and Tal Henry & His Orchestra

Big Band Times 42 The Swing Years

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:49:58 -0800

Big Band Times presents The Swing Years 1940s-1950s
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Ridin' On The L&N" Lionel Hampton & His Orchestra
2) "Early" Erroll Garner
3) "That Old Black Magix" Mel Torme
4) "The Last Time I Saw Paris" Bub Powell
5) "Baby,What You Do To Me" Kitty Kallen w/Harry James & His Orchestra
6) "Memories Of You Mostly" Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra
7) "Whistle Stop" Louis Prima & His Orchestra
8) "Kansas City Caboose"Sonny Greer & His Orchestra
9) "The Freedom Train" Johnny Mercer & The Pied Pipers
10)"Eager Beaver" Stan Kenton & His Orchestra
11)"Nice 'N Easy" Frank Sinatra
12)"Five O'clock Whistle" Erskine Hawkins & His Orchestra
13)"You Always Hurt The One You Love" Kay Starr w/Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra
14)"The Chase" Sy Zenther & His Orchestra
15)"I'm Beginning To See The Light" Bobby Darin
16)"Night Train" The Four Blazes
17)"The Queen" T.J. Fowler
18)"My Old Gal"Illinois Jacquet & His Orchestra vocal/Sid McKinney
19)"Thunderbird" Ray Anthony & His Orchestra
20)"Manhattan" Ella Fitzgerald
21)"It's All Right With Me" Bobby Hackett
22)"You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To" Helen Merrill
23)"Sunset Blue" Andre Previn

Big Band Times 41 The Swing Era Part 1

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:26:33 -0800

Big Band Times presents The Swing Era Part 1
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Choo Choo Ch-Boogie" The Four Knights
2) "Lets Get Away From It All" Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
3) "In The Mood" Glenn Miller Orchestra
4) "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" Kay Starr w/The Charlie Barnett Orchestra
5) "Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night of The Week" Frank Sinatra
6) "Pennsylvania Polka" The Andrew Sisters
7) "The Harlem Suite" Duke Ellington
8) "Baby It's Cold Outside" Ester Williams and Ricardo Mantalban
9) "When The Lights Go On Again" Vaughn Monroe

Big Band Times 30 Frank Sinatra & His Music

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 17:45:25 -0800

Big Band Times presents Frank Sinatra and His Music 1939-1947
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "But Beautiful" 1947
2) "It Started All Over Again" Tommy Dorsey w/Frank Sinatra
3) "They Say It's Wonderful" 1946
4) "Without A Song" Tommy Dorsey w/Frank Sinatra
5) "All Or Nothing At All" 1939 Frank Sinatra w/Harry James
6) "Time After Time" 1946
7) "Day By Day" 1945
8) "Saturday Night Is The Loneliest Night of The Week" 1944
9) "You'll Never Know" 1942
10)"Some Enchanted evening"
11)"Five Minutes More" 1946
12)"Close To You" 1942
13)"One For My Baby" 1947
14)"I Couldn't Sleep A Wink Last Night" 1943
15)"Come Out Wherever You Are"
16)"The Song Is You" 1942
17)"The House I Live In" 1945

Big Band Times 39 Isham Jones & His Orchestra

Sat, 27 Oct 2007 08:02:13 -0700

Big Band Times presents Isham Jones and His Orchestra 1924 to 1934
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Medley Of Isham Jones Hits"
2) "In My Heart It's You" 1930
3) "I'm So Afraid Of You" 1934
4) "From Now On" 1934
5) "It Had To Be You" 1924 vocals Aileen Stanley & Billy Murray
6) "I Can't Believe It's True" 1932
7) "Trees" 1930
8) "Sweet Georgia Brow" 1932 Vocal Bing Crosby
9) "Medley Of Isham Jones Dance Hits" 1932

Big Band Times 38 Red Norvo & His Orchestra with Mildred Bailey

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 15:35:13 -0700

Big Band Times presents Red Norvo & His Orchestra with Mildred Baily together they were Mr & Mrs Swing 1933-1945
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Knockin' On Wood" 1933
2) "Hole In The Wall" 1933
3) "In A Mist" 1933
4) "Dance Of The Octopus" 1933
5) "Tea Time" 1938
6) "Now And Then" 1938
7) "Saving Myself For You" Vocal Mildred Bailey
8) "Picture Me Without You" 1936 Vocal Mildred Bailey
9) "Have Mercy" 1939
10)"Yours For A Song" 1939
11)"Who Blew Out The Flame" Vocal Mildred Bailey
12)"Which Switch Witch" 1944
13)"Seven Come Eleven" 1944
14)"Blue In E Flat" 1935

Big Band Times 37 Louis Prima & His Orchestra

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 08:32:19 -0700

Big Band Times presents Louis Prima and His Orchestra 1935-1945
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Sing Sing Sing" Fletcher Henderson & His Orchestra 1936 Vocal Louis Prima
2) "In A Little Gypsy Tea Room" 1935
3) "Weather Man" 1935
4) "Now They Call It Swing" 1938
5) "Why Should I Pretend" 1938
6) "Now And Then" 1938
7) "They Very Thought Of You" 1944 Vocal Lily Ann Carol
8) "This Heart Of Mine" 1944 Vocal Lily Ann Carol
9) "I'll Walk Alone" 1944 Vocal Lily Ann Carol
10)"Please No Squeeza Da Banna" 1945 Vocal Louis Prima
11)"I Don't Want To Be Loved" 1945
12)"Just A Little Fond Affection" 1945

Big Band Times 36 Benny Goodman,Dick Jurgens,Glenn Miller War Time Remotes

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 07:57:54 -0700

Big Band Times presents War Time Remotes for our fighting men and women. Join Benny Goodman, Dick Jurgens, and Glenn Miller as they played for our brave soldiers.

Big Band Times 35 Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:01:52 -0700

Big Band Times presents Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra 1929-1945
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Give Me The Simple Life" 1945
2) "Star Eyes" 1943
3) "Amapola" 1941
4) "Dusk In Upper Sandusky" 1938
5) "Contrasts" 1940
6) "Tangerine" 1941
7) "Brazil" 1942
8) "Prayin' The Blues" 1929
9) "All Or Nothing At All" 1939
10)"Green Eyes" 1941
11)"I Fall In Love With You Every Day" 1938
12)"Time Was" 1941

Big Band Times 34 Ben Selvin & His Orchestra

Sat, 22 Sep 2007 09:05:51 -0700

Big Band Times presents Ben Selvin and His Orchestra 1928-1932
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "You Call It Madness" 1931
2) "I Can't Give You Anything But Love" 1928
3) "Why" 1929
4) "Happy Days Are Here Again" 1930
5) "Let Me Sing And I'm Happy" 1930
6) "When The Reast Of The Crowd Goes Home" 1931
7) "Just Friends" 1932
8) "Why Have You Forgotten Waikiki?" 1930
9) "My Song Of The Nile" 1936 Vocal Smith Ballew
10)"Around The Corner" 1930

Big Band Times 33 Hal Kemp & His Orchestra

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 08:04:50 -0700

Big Band Times presents Hal Kemp and His Orchestra 1933-1940
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Puddin' Head Jones" 1933
2) "I Coundn't Tell Them What I Thought" 1933
3) "You And Who Else" 1940
4) "There's A Small Hotel" 1936
5) "Pennies From heaven" 1936
6) "I Can't Get Started" 1936 vocal Skinnay Ennis
7) "You're So Darn Charming" 1935 vocal Bob Allen
8) "The Music Goes Round And Round" 1935
9) "Goodnight My Love" 1936
10)"From The Top Of Your Head" 1935
11)"Love Is The Sweetest Thing" 1933
12)"It's Only A Paper Moon" 1933

Big Band Times 32 Eddie Condon & His Band

Sat, 08 Sep 2007 07:07:47 -0700

Big Band Times presents Eddie Condon and His Band 1938-1950
The music in this program is listed in order of play;
1) "Dill Pickels" 1950
2) "Love Is Just Around The Corner" 1938 Eddie Condon Windy City 7
3) "Ida,Sweet As Apple Cider" 1947
4) "Some Sunny Day" 1946
5) "There'll Be Some Changes Made" 1939 Eddie Condon's Chicagoans
6) "California Here I Come" 1938
7) September 9, 1944 Remote Jazz Broadcast From New York's Town Hall

Chicago Condon 1964 Under the leadership of Eddie Condon we see an all star group playing "Chicago" Next to Eddie playing his 4 string tenor guitar we see Wild Bill Davison, Wingy Manone and Billy Butterfield on trumpets, Edmund Hall clarinet, Vic Dickenson and Cutty Cutshall trombones, Henry Duncan piano, Al Hall bass and George Wettling drums. There is a vocal by Thelma Middleton especially written for this occassion by Johnny Mercer. An ad-in vocal as well by Sammy Davis Jr This is from special feature film called a "Tribute to Eddie Condon". It appears that this 1964 music movie may not actually have been issued.

Big Band Times 30 Melody of Big Band Tunes

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:28:57 -0700

Big Band Times presents a melody of Big Band Tunes.

Big Band Times 29 Ladies of Song

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 22:06:51 -0700

Big Band Times presents Ladies of Song 1930-1950
featured are Ladies of Song from 1930s-1950s. Songs played are;
Intro Song, Patricia Paay and The Star Sisters
1)Betty Hutton & Perry Como,1950,"She's A Lady",2)Dorothy Lamour,"Strange Enchantment,3)Dorthy Lamour,"Your Kiss,4)Lee Morse,1931-"Lets Get Friendly,5)Ruth Etting,"With My Eyes Wide Open,6)Annette Hanshaw,"I'm Sure of everything But You",7)Jane Green,"Mine All Mine",8)Belle Baker,"You Brought A New Kind Of Love To Me",9)Anita O'Day,1941-"Let Me Off Uptown", 10)Betty Hutton & Howard Keel,1950-"Anything You Can Do"

To Me",9)Anita O'Day,1941-"Let Me Off Uptown", 10)Betty Hutton & Howard Keel,1950-"Anything You Can Do"

Big Band Times presents Chick Webb

Fri, 25 May 2007 21:25:07 -0700

Big Band Times Mother's Day Tribute

Sat, 12 May 2007 13:09:37 -0700

Tribute To Mothers The music in this program is listed in order of play;

1) "Hello Mom"-Bing Crosby-1942
2) "Angel's On Earth"-Steven Stewart & Annette Kienzle
3) "Your Mother And Mine"-Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra 1929
4) "Mother, I Miss You"-Toni Braxton
5) "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child"-Artie Shaw & His Orchestra
6) "Mother's Last Farewell Kiss"-Charlie Poole 1930
7) "A Mother's Love is a Blessing"-Irish Rovers
8) "Old Mother Hubbard"-Ella Fitzgerald & Daydreamers 1949
9) "Mother Of Mine, I Still Have You"-Al Jolson 1927
10) "Don'd Be Afraid To Tell Your Mother"-Mills Brothers 1935
11) "Mother, I Miss You"-Toni Braxton

Jerry Gray and His Orchestra

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:06:09 -0700

Big Band Times Presents Jerry Gray from 6/8/51

Big Band Times presents Rosemarry Clooney

Sat, 07 Apr 2007 09:57:12 -0700

Big Band Times present Rosemarry Clooney from 1951-1952

Count Basie & His Orchestra

Sat, 31 Mar 2007 06:55:24 -0700

Live music from Count Basie and His Orchestra Remote 1953-02-08 At The Blue Note Chicago

Mills Brothers Music Video

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:39:52 -0700

Mills Brothers Music Video

Eddie Bergman & His Orchestra

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 11:45:50 -0700

Eddie Bergman and His Orchestra 6/22/1951 Remote Broadcast From Coconut Grove

St. Patricks Day & Wearin' of the Green

Sat, 17 Mar 2007 11:59:03 -0700

Big Band Times presents St.Patrick's Day Special The following list of songs are in order of play; 1)When Irish Eyes Are Smiling, Bing Crosby 1946, 2)My Wild Irish Rose, Muggsy Spanier,,3)Irish Black Bottom, Louis Armstrong, 4)I'm Looking for a Four Leaf Clover, Frankie Lane 1948, 5)Did Your Mother Come From Ireland?, Bing Crosby 1940, 6)Johnny Doughboy Found A Rose in Ireland-Sammy Key & His Orchestra 1940, 7)The Wearin' of the Green, Bunny Berigan & His Orchestra 1938, 8)Wearin' of the Green Medley, Frank Trumbauer & His Orchestra 1940

Henry Busse Radio Remote 1935

Fri, 02 Mar 2007 21:52:15 -0800

Henry Busse was born in Germany and emigrated to the United States in 1916 where he found work playing trumpet in a movie theatre pit band. He formed his own band and toured the country ending up in San Francisco where they disbanded. In 1917 he was playing trumpet with the Frisco Jass Band and in 1918 he joined the Paul Whiteman Orchestra. Busse was a major contributor to Whiteman's Orchestra. He co-composed several of the band's early hit songs including "Hot Lips" and "Wang Wang Blues" . Busse stayed with Whiteman until 1928 when he left the band and formed his own group the Henry Busse Orchestra. This group which was more of a sweet dance band than a jazz band had a very successful career. They continued to record and perform up until Busse's death in 1955.