Big Band Library: April 2014 "Big Band News"

APRIL 2014

"BIG BAND NEWS"

compiled by Music Librarian

CHRISTOPHER POPA

The big bands are back

in a new and exciting way

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this website in a special way, here is another installment of Roland Taylor's investigation into the day-to-day activities of The Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. Mr. Taylor is a respected Miller aficionado and was the longtime Chairman of The Glenn Miller Society of London, formed in 1950. He began this series in the pages of The Moonlight Serenader, the Society's journal for which he served as Editor since 1956. The Society ceased operation in 2012, but Mr. Taylor kindly consented to the remaining portion of his research appearing here exclusively.

Roly sets the scene then picks up the story on 20th November 1944 . . .

The Chronology Continues

MILLER'S MIGHTY SERVICE BAND

by Roland Taylor

The transfer of the AEF Band to the Continent was shortly to be set in stone. Major Glenn Miller's intention was for his ensemble to record six weeks of programmes in Bedford, prior to flying to Paris.

As a matter of interest, this had been Miller's plan in August '44, but it was turned down by the BBC.

The situation this time was different - on 15th November '44 - Major Miller had been summoned by Major-General Ray Barker, the appointed SHAEF F-1 responsible for radio broadcasting of the AEF as well as relations with the BBC.

With Major-General Barker in Versailles, a telephone conference was set up in London between Maurice Gorham, Director of the AEF Programme; Major Johnny Hayes, head of AFN; and Major Miller.

Miller outlined his proposal for his Band to record a slew of complete broadcasts prior to their departure, which Major-General Barker accepted and expressed his gratification that the request could be met without affecting the Band's services to the AEF programme.

Maurice Gorham asked for a formal SHAEF request for the six-week visit and the possibility that the Band's Balance Engineer, Teddy Gower, who had worked on the Band's BBC broadcasts, could travel with the group.

The massive recording sessions were scheduled to start on 25th November 1944 and, in the listing below, the relevant programmes are identified as "reserve recordings" plus the date the recording was aired.

In any event, the landline from Paris to London proved to be usuable, so there would be no necessity for the AEF Band to return to London.

D A T E L I N E 2 0 N O V E M B E R 1 9 4 4 ( M O N )

EMI Studio, Abbey Road, London

OWI recording session for ABSIE Network

Programme 4 aired 29th November 1944 and Programme 5 aired 6th December 1944 from 1:30-2:00 pm EWT on the German Wehrmacht Hour

Propaganda recordings for broadcast to German soldiers

Dialogue in German by Ilsa Weinberger (German female announcer) and Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / CARIBBEAN CLIPPER Programme

4, Record 1

SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES Programme 4, Record 2

LITTLE BROWN JUG Programme 4, Record 3

WHERE OR WHEN (voc: Johnny Desmond, in German) Programme 4, Record 4

COW-COW BOOGIE (voc: Ray McKinley) Programme 4, Record 5

HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS Programme 4, Record 6

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / TAIL END CHARLIE Programme 5,

Record 1

EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY Programme 5, Record 5

The 7:01-7:15 pm "SONGS BY SGT. JOHNNY DESMOND" broadcast was cancelled due to the illness of Sgt. Desmond, and reserve recording number 2 (SWN-19362) was used. Also on 20th November '44 Sgt. David Herman was in the hospital.

20th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON) 7:45-8:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / PLEASE / WHAT IS THERE TO SAY / MEMORIES OF YOU / I'LL REMEMBER APRIL / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

21st NOVEMBER 1944 (TUE)

No change of status in band strength since 31st October 1944. Active strength was four officers and 57 enlisted men. Two enlisted men were absent: Sgt. Herman was still in the hospital and S/Sgt. Mel Powell was sick in quarters.

21st NOVEMBER 1944 (TUE) 8:30-9:00 pm

Queensberry All-Services Club, London

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / TAIL END CHARLIE / RHAPSODY IN BLUE / G.I. JIVE (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) / medley: MOTHER MACREE - IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU (voc: Artie Malvin) - I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE (voc: Peanuts Hucko, trumpet: Sgt. Bernie Privin) - WANG WANG BLUES / LITTLE BROWN JUG / YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

22nd NOVEMBER 1944 (WED) 2:01-3:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

'VISITING HOUR" broadcast, AFN (for all military hospitals)

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

No details available for this broadcast.

22nd NOVEMBER 1944 (WED) 6:15-6:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

"THE UPTOWN HALL" broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

MY GUY'S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / SOMEBODY LOVES ME / THE VERY THOUGHOUT OF YOU / SOMEBODY'S WRONG (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Alpert, McKinley) / DON'T BLAME ME (voc: Artie Malvin) / BLUE SKIES / MY GUY'S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

22nd NOVEMBER 1944 (WED) 7:45-8:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

"STRINGS WITH WINGS" broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / DANCING IN THE DARK / MY ROMANCE / SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES / SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

23rd NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 7:30-8:00 PM

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

"THE SWING SHIFT" broadcast, AEFP

T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band

SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / ANCHORS AWEIGH / RHAPSODY IN BLUE / HAVE YA GOT ANY GUM CHUM? (voc: Artie Malvin and Ray McKinley) / 'WAY DOWN YONDER IN NEW ORLEANS / I DREAM OF YOU (voc: Artie Malvin) / PASS OVER LIGHTLY (trio: Hukco, Powell, McKinley) / NOW I KNOW (voc: Artie Malvin) / ON BRAVE OLD ARMY TEAM / SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]

23rd NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 9:15-9:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“UPTOWN HALL” live broadcast scheduled and listed in Monthly Activity Report, but SAL 16667 (23rd Sept 1944) actually was aired.

23rd NOVEMBER (THU) evening

Officers’ Club, Milton Ernest (Station 506), Bedford

dance: Thanksgiving Day dance for officers and their guests

T/Sgt Ray Mckinley and the American Dance Band

attendance- 600

no details of music played

24th NOVEMBER 1944 (FRI) 8:30-9:00 pm

Queensberry All-Services Club, London

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” broadcast, AEFP, AFN and BBC-GFP

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / SUN VALLEY JUMP / LONG AGO (AND FAR AWAY) (voc: Artie Malvin) / MISSION TO MOSCOW / medley: MIGHTY LAK’ A ROSE – AMOR (voc: Artie Malvin) / CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO (voc: Ray McKinley & The Crew Chiefs) – BYE BYE BLUES / A STRING OF PEARLS / ORANGES AND LEMONS (voc: Artie Malvin & The Crew Chiefs) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [closing theme ]

attendance: 2,500

The next day (25th November ’44, a Saturday), the Band began to stockpile reserve recordings to cover their upcoming trip to the Continent. The full Band produced 16 half-hour recordings which they completed by 12th December 1944; “Strings with Wings” recorded 15 quarter-hour programmes completed by 9th December ’44; “The Swing Shift” 16 half-hour programmes completed by 8th December 1944; “THE UPTOWN HALL” 22 quarter-hour programmes completed by 9th December ’44; “SONGS BY JOHNNY DESMOND” 8 quarter-hour programmes completed by 8th December ’44; and “PIANO PARADE” 6 quarter-hour programmes completed by 11th December ’44. That totals 83 programmes that were recorded. (In addition, some of the earlier reserve programmes were used.)

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 11:45 am-12 Noon

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“PIANO PARADE” broadcast, AEFP

Pfc Jack Rusin

CHOPSTICKS [ opening theme ] / MY SILENT LOVE / THE SONG IS YOU / AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ / SPEAK TO ME OF LOVE / ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET / YOU’RE DRIVING ME CRAZY / CHOPSTICKS [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 3:01-3:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE SWING SHIFT” broadcast, AEFP

T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band

SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / SNAFU JUMP / STAR DUST / I’M HEADIN’ FOR CALIFORNIA (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) / BREAKIN’ IN A NEW PAIR OF SHOES / I’LL WALK ALONE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / CHEESE CAKE (Boogie Woogie Trio: Hucko, Powell, McKinley) / TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / FLYING HOME / SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER (SAT) 5:15-5:45 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired on 1 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / MY HEART STOOD STILL / APRIL IN PARIS / I’LL SEE YOU AGAIN / SEPTEMBER SONG / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS

[ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 5:45-6:15 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired on 3 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR / JEANNIE WITH THE LIGHT BROWN HAIR / LOVER, COME BACK TO ME / I’M IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 6:15-6:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / EMALINE / * [ at this point in the script, three tunes were replaced then scratched out, so it is impossible to determine what was recorded ] / CHARMAINE / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 6:30-7:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired 8 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / MAKE BELIEVE / WHAT IS THERE TO SAY / THEY DIDN’T BELIEVE ME / I’LL REMEMBER APRIL / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 9:00-10:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 2, first aired 22 Dec ‘44

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / I HEAR YOU SCREAMIN’ / SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR (voc: Johnny Desmond) / HAVE YA GOT ANY GUM, CHUM (voc: The Crew Chiefs) / medley: CAPRICE VIENNOIS – I’LL WALK ALONE (voc: Johnny Desmond) – MY ISLE OF GOLDEN DREAMS – THE BIRTH OF THE BLUES / E.T.O. WHAT A HORRIBLE MORNING BLUES (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Alpert, McKinley) / HOLIDAY FOR STRINGS / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 10:00-11:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 3, first aired 29 Dec ‘44

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / JEEP JOCKEY JUMP / IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU (voc: Johnny Desmond) / ON BRAVE OLD ARMY TEAM / medley: LONDONDERRY AIR – MY PRAYER (voc: Johnny Desmond) – CHEROKEE – BEAUTIFUL BLUE DANUBE / IS YOU IS, OR IS YOU AIN’T (MA BABY) (voc: Ray McKinley) / FLYING HOME / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

When this programme was aired after the announcement of Glenn Miller’s disappearance, all the talk was deleted and new announcements were dubbed in.

25th NOVEMBER 1944 (SAT) 11:00 pm-12 Midnight

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 4, first aired 2 Jan ‘45

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

Compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / GET HAPPY / I’LL BE SEEING YOU (voc: Johnny Desmond) / ANCHORS AWEIGH / medley: LONG, LONG AGO – THE MUSIC STOPPED (voc: Johnny Desmond) – THE DIPSY DOODLE – BLUES IN MY HEART / G.I. JIVE (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) / JERRY’S AACHEN BACK (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Alpert, McKinley) / SONG OF THE VOLGA BOATMEN / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

The original script shows HAVE YA GOT ANY GUM, CHUM (voc: The Crew Chiefs) instead of G.I. JIVE. Also, when this programme was aired, all of the announcements relating to Major Miller’s contribution were deleted and dubbed by Sgt Keith Jameson. (This activity may well have happened on other full band recordings.)

The following afternoon (26th November ’44, a Sunday), a “Carnival of Music,” for the benefit of Allied War prisoners, took place in the Granada Theatre in Bedford. The master of ceremonies was Lt Ben Lyon, movie actor and radio broadcaster.

Four Army orchestras:

T/Sgt Jack Manwell and the Yanks of First Strategic Air Depot

Pfc Lyman Wood and the Gremlins of Second Strategic Air Depot

six brass, five reeds, and four rhythm

trombones: Sgt Russell Newman, Cpl John M. Evans

reeds: Pfc Lyman Wood (saxophone, clarinet, leader, arranger)

Pfc John kane (tenor)

rhythm: Pvt Joseph Ivey (piano)

vocalist: Sgt Raymond (Ray) Arias

Sgt Peter Kara and the Continentals of Third Strategic Air Depot

vocalist: Pfc Nick Giammerese

Pvt Dick Motter and the High Flyers of Fourth Strategic Air Depot

vocalist: Pvt Herschel Ayres

For the finale, Major Glenn Miller directed the combined four orchestras in the following tunes: THE ARMY AIR CORPS / THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER [ USA national anthem ] / GOD SAVE THE KING [British national anthem ]

26th NOVEMBER 1944 (SUN) 3:50-4:10 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“SONGS BY SGT JOHNNY DESMOND” reserve recording number 1, aired 18 Dec ‘44

M/Sgt Norman Leyden and the American Band of the AEF

all Johnny Desmond vocals except **

TIME ON MY HANDS [ opening theme ] / I’LL WALK ALONE / UNKNOWN TUNE / **BLUE IS THE NIGHT / I’LL BE SEEING YOU / TIME ON MY HANDS [ closing theme ]

26th NOVEMBER 1944 (SUN) 4:10-4:25 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“SONGS BY SGT JOHNNY DESMOND” reserve recording, not used

M/Sgt Norman Leyden and the American Band of the AEF

all Johnny Desmond vocals except **

TIME ON MY HANDS [ opening theme ] / OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING / LONG AGO (AND FAR AWAY) / ** ENLISTED MEN’S MESS / I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU / TIME ON MY HANDS [ closing theme ]

At a later date (probably 23-31 December ’44), new announcements were recorded and dubbed into the above programme. At the same time, ENLISTED MEN’S MESS was replaced by THINGS AIN’T WHAT THEY USED TO BE from an unknown source. This programme was scheduled to air on 1 Jan ’45, but the titles were considered inappropriate in view of Major Miller’s disappearance. Instead, 8 Dec ’44 was used.

26th NOVEMBER 1944 (SUN) 4:25-4:40 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“SONGS BY SGT JOHNNY DESMOND” reserve recording, aired 8 Jan ‘45

M/Sgt Norman Leyden and the American Band of the AEF

all Johnny Desmond vocals except **

TIME ON MY HANDS [ opening theme ] / IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU / A FELLOW ON A FURLOUGH / ** ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE / I’LL GET BY / TIME ON MY HANDS [ closing theme ]

26th NOVEMBER 1944 (SUN) 4:40-5:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“SONGS BY SGT JOHNNY DESMOND” reserve recording, aired 15 Jan ‘45

M/Sgt Norman Leyden and the American Band of the AEF

all Johnny Desmond vocals

TIME ON MY HANDS [ opening theme ] / AMOR / NOW I KNOW / THE MUSIC STOPPED / I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU / TIME ON MY HANDS [ closing theme ]

The next day, 27th November ’44, a Monday, the full band accompanied by Major Glenn Miller traveled to EMI Studio on Abbey Road, St. John’s Wood, in London for their fifth and final OWI recording session for the ABSIE Network. These were propaganda recordings for broadcasting to German soldiers. As before, the announcements were carried out by Ilsa Weinberger in German and Major Miller in English and a phonetic German.

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / JEEP JOCKEY JUMP

programme 6, record 1

ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE (voc: Johnny Desmond, in German)

programme 6, record 2

SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT

programme 6, record 3

BODY AND SOUL

programme 6, record 4

BEAT ME DADDY, EIGHT TO THE BAR (voc: Ray McKinley)

programme 6, record 5

GET HAPPY

programme 6, record 6

SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR (voc: Johnny Desmond, in German)

programme ?, record ?

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON) 3:30-4:15 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 5, not used

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

Compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / AMERICAN PATROL / STAR DUST / ON WISCONSIN / medley: THE OLD REFRAIN – THE SAME OLD LOVE (voc: Johnny Desmond) – SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES – BLUE AGAIN / IF DREAMS COME TRUE (Boogie Woogie Quartet: Hucko, Powell, Alpert, McKinley) / YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE (voc: Johnny Desmond & The Crew Chiefs) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

This programme was scheduled to air on 5 Jan ’45, but was not used. It was re-recorded on 1 Dec ’44 and that was aired on 5 Jan ’45.

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON) 4:15-5:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 5, not used

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] /

SUN VALLEY JUMP / LONG AGO (AND FAR AWAY) (voc: Johnny Desmond) / MISSION TO MOSCOW / medley: MIGHTY LAK’ A ROSE – AMOR (voc: Johnny Desmond) – CHATTANOOGA CHOO CHOO (voc: Ray McKinley and The Crew Chiefs) – BYE BYE BLUES / A STRING OF PEARLS / ORANGES AND LEMONS (voc: Artie Malvin and The Crew Chiefs) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON) 7:01-7:15 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“SONGS BY SGT JOHNNY DESMOND” broadcast, AEFP

The American Band of the AEF

all Johnny Desmond vocals

TIME ON MY HANDS [ opening theme ] / I’LL RMEMBER APRIL / INDIAN SUMMER / FOR THE FIRST TIME / AMOR / TIME ON MY HANDS [ closing theme ]

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON) 7:15-7:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / MAKE BELIEVE / MOOD INDIGO / LOVER, COME BACK TO ME / DANCING IN THE DARK / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS

[ closing theme ]

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired 10 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / EMBRACEABLE YOU / MY ROMANCE / SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES / ALL THE THINGS YOU ARE / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing

theme ]

27th NOVEMBER 1944 (MON)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired 15 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / PLEASE / THERE’S A SMALL HOTEL / MEMORIES OF YOU / ORCHIDS IN THE MOONLIGHT / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS

[ closing theme ]

28th NOVEMBER 1944 (TUE) 11:00 am-12 Noon

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“MOONLIGHT SERENADE” reserve recording number 7, aired 12 Jan ‘45

Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / SNAFU JUMP / BODY AND SOUL / TUXEDO JUNCTION / medley: SONGS MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME – IT’S LOVE, LOVE, LOVE (voc: The Crew Chiefs) – IN AN EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY DRAWING ROOM – BLUE ORCHIDS (voc: Johnny Desmond) / I MUST HAVE THAT MAN (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Alpert, McKinley) / WHAT DO YOU DO IN THE INFANTRY (voc: Artie Malvin and The Crew Chiefs) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

The original script shows the quartet tune as BUTTON, BUTTON, WHO’S GOT THE NEXT EIGHT BARS, instead of I MUST HAVE THAT MAN.

28th NOVEMBER 1944 (TUE) 8:30-9:00 pm

Queensberry All-Services Club, Bedford

“AMERICAN BAND OF THE AEF” broadcast, AEFP, AFN and BBC-GFP

“Major Glenn Miller and the American Band of the AEF

compere: Major Glenn Miller

MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ opening theme ] / IN THE MOOD / SWEET AND LOVELY (voc: Johnny Desmond) / JUKE BOX SATURDAY NIGHT (voc: The Crew Chiefs) / medley: FLOW GENTLY, SWEET AFTON – MOON DREAMS (voc: Johnny Desmond and The Crew Chiefs) – DON’T BE THAT WAY – BLUE CHAMPAGNE / EVERYBODY LOVES MY BABY / POINCIANA (SONG OF THE TREE) (voc: Johnny Desmond and The Crew Chiefs) / MOONLIGHT SERENADE [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” reserve recording, aired 22 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / YOU GO TO MY HEAD / SERENADE IN BLUE / CLAIR DE LUNE / SURE THING / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED) 6:15-6:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / THE BLUE ROOM / SOPHISTICATED LADY / SUGAR (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / WHEN YOUR LOVER HAS GONE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / THE SHEIK OF ARABY / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED) 7:45-8:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“STRINGS WITH WINGS” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt George Ockner and the string section

I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ opening theme ] / WITH A SONG IN MY HEART / SOMEDAY I’LL FIND YOU / THEY DIDN’T BELIEVE ME / SURE THING / I SUSTAIN THE WINGS [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 27 Dec ‘44

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / HOW HIGH THE MOON / DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY (voc: Johnny Desmond) / TEMPTATION / MY GUY’S COME BACK

[ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 28 Dec ‘44

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / SOMEBODY LOVES ME / THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU / SOMEBODY’S WRONG (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / DON’T BLAME ME (voc: Johnny Desmond) / BLUE SKIES / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 30 Dec ‘44

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / I’LL REMEMBER APRIL / THESE FOOLISH THINGS (REMIND ME OF YOU) / EXACTLY LIKE YOU (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / I’LL BE SEEING YOU (voc: Johnny Desmond) / CARAVAN / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 3 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / LITTLE WHITE LIES / STARS FELL ON ALABAMA / PENNIES FROM HEAVEN (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR (voc: Johnny Desmond) / THE BLUE ROOM / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 4 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / SONG OF THE WANDERER / CANDY / ONE, TWO, BUCKLE YOUR SHOE (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / LIMEHOUSE BLUES / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

29th NOVEMBER 1944 (WED)

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” reserve recording, aired 6 Jan ‘45

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

with Cpl Joe Shulman (string bass) on this broadcast

MY GUY’S COME BACK [ opening theme ] / ROSETTA / SWEET LORRAINE / POOR BUTTERFLY (quartet: Hucko, Powell, Shulman, McKinley) / ONCE IN A WHILE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / DON’T BE THAT WAY / MY GUY’S COME BACK [ closing theme ]

30th November 1944: There was no change in the status of band strength since 31 Oct ’44: four officers and 60 enlisted men. Active strength. 2nd Lt Haynes was on duty in Paris 25 Nov- 2 Dec ’44. Sgt Herman was in the hospital. On 30 Nov ’44, 2nd Lt Haynes secured quarters for the band at Hotel des Olympiades, 22 Rue de Clignancourt, 18 Arrondissement (Montmartre), Paris. He also arranged for buses and a staff car.

30th NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 5:15-5:55 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE SWING SHIFT” reserve recording, first aired 23 Dec ‘44

T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band

SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / KING PORTER STOMP / OH, LADY BE GOOD / JUKE BOX SATURDAY NIGHT (voc: The Crew Chiefs) / SPRING WILL BE A LITTLE LATE THIS YEAR (voc: Johnny Desmond) / WHATCHA KNOW JOE (voc: Ray McKinley) / PASS OVER LIGHTLY (trio: Hucko, Powell, McKinley) / THE DAY AFTER FOREVER (voc: Johnny Desmond) / ‘WAY DOWN YONDER IN NEW ORLEANS / SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]

30th NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 5:55-6:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE SWING SHIFT” reserve recording, aired 28 Dec ‘44

T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band

SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ opening theme ] / GET HAPPY / YOU GO TO MY HEAD (featuring Sgt Bernie Privin, trumpet) / SWEET AND LOVELY (voc: Johnny Desmond and The Crew Chiefs) / IS YOU IS, OR IS YOU AIN’T (MA BABY) (voc: Ray McKinley) / TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE (voc: Johnny Desmond) / SPAM WHAT AM (trio: Hucko, Powell, McKinley) / SHE’S FUNNY THAT WAY (voc: Artie Malvin) / NINE-TWENTY SPECIAL / SONG AND DANCE (voc: Ray McKinley) [ closing theme ]

30th NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 7:30-8:00 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE SWING SHIFT” broadcast, AEFP

T/Sgt Ray McKinley and the American Dance Band

30th NOVEMBER 1944 (THU) 9:15-9:30 pm

Co-Partners Hall, Bedford

“THE UPTOWN HALL” broadcast, AEFP

S/Sgt Mel Powell and the American Swing Sextet

[ closing theme ]

It is true to say that no other band in the history of popular music has undertaken such a gargantuan series of recorded programmes!

[ to be continued ]

SPEAKING OF MILLER

Tony Eaton, a Glenn Miller expert, will give his popular talk, "The Curious Disappearance of Glenn Miller," at the Metropolitan Police Sports & Social Club in Bushey, England, on the 1st of this month. Eaton, a longtime member of The Glenn Miller Society, has written liner notes for a number of Miller CDs.

TALKING 'BOUT BUNNY

On the 23rd of this month, swing expert Michael P. Zirpolo, author of the Bunny Berigan Mr. Trumpet biography, visits The Institute of Jazz Studies at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. As a guest during a two-hour “Rutgers Roundtable,” he’ll share many musical examples, show 125 slides of Berigan, and offer his own commentary.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES

Boomie Richman, b.Apr. 2, 1921. Tenor saxophonist with Paxton '44-'45; T. Dorsey '45-'51

[ off and on ]; Goodman '51 / '52 / '53 / '54 / '55 / '58; Reynolds '55 "Songs for Happy

Feet" album.

Doris Day, b.Apr. 3, 1924. Vocalist with Crosby '40; Brown '40-'41 / '44-'46.

Derek Smith, b.Apr. 17, 1931. Pianist with Goodman '61 / '67 / '69 / '71 / '72-'73.

Slide Hampton, b.Apr. 21, 1932. Trombonist with B. Johnson '55-'57; Hampton '58;

Ferguson '58-'59; and leader of the Gillespie All Star Big Band '04- .

Mundell Lowe, b.Apr.21, 1922. Guitarist with McKinley '46-47.

Bea Wain, b.Apr. 30, 1917. Vocalist with Shaw '37 (If It's the Last Thing I Do); Clinton

'37-'39.

NECROLOGY

Abe Osser, 99, d.Apr. 29, 2014. Arranger for Crosby, Lopez, Al Dnahue, Barnet, Berigan,

Bernie, Brown, Goodman (And the Angels Sing), Whiteman.

REMEMBERING YOU

Harry Carney, b.Apr. 1, 1910. Baritone saxophonist with Ellington '27-'74.

Hymie Shertzer, b.Apr. 2, 1909. Alto saxophonist with Goodman '34-'38 / '42-'44/

'51 / '52 / '53 / '54 / '55 / '58 / '59; Hampton '37 (Victor) / '39 (Victor); T Dorsey '38-'39;

Shaw '50 (Decca) / '53 (Decca).

Bill Finegan, b.Apr. 3, 1917. Arranger – composer for T Dorsey '39-'52 (intermittently);

Miller '39-'42; Heidt '42-'43. Leader of own band with Sauter.

Ken Kersey, b.Apr. 3, 1916. Pianist with Eldridge '39-'40?; Kirk '42.

Knobby Totah, b.Apr. 5, 1930. Bassist with Krupa '63-'64.

Gerry Mulligan, b.Apr. 6, 1927. Baritone saxophonist. Arranger - composer with Krupa

'46-'47 / '58; Thornhill '47-'53?; Kenton '52-'53.

Ralph Flanagan, b.Apr. 7, 1914. Pianist –arranger for Kaye '41. Leader of own band.

Billie Holiday, b.Apr. 7, 1915. Vocalist with Basie '37-'38; Shaw '38.

Peanuts Hucko, b.Apr. 7, 1918. Clarinetist – tenor saxophonist with Bradley '39-'40/

'41 / '46 (Signature session); Miller '43-'45 (AAF); McKinley '46-'47; Teagarden '47 /

'57; Welk '70-'72. Leader of Miller Orch '74.

Julian Dash, b.Apr. 9, 1916. Tenor saxophonist with E Hawkins '38-'53?.

Morty Corb, b.Apr. 10, 1917. Bassist with Crosby '52 / '56 / '57 / '60.

Chano Pozo, b.Apr. 10, 1915. Bongo – conga drums with Gillespie '47-'48.

Lionel Hampton, b.Apr. 12, 1908. Vibraphonist /drummer with Armstrong '30-'31;

Goodman '36-'39. Leader of own band.

Bud Freeman, b.Apr. 13, 1906. Tenor saxophonist with Noble '35; T Dorsey '37-'38;

Goodman '38; Wilson '38.

Henry Mancini, b.Apr. 16, 1924. Pianist - arranger with Miller Orch-Beneke '46-'47;

arranger for Beneke '51.

Joe Dixon, b.Apr. 21, 1917. Clarinetist and saxophonist with T Dorsey '36-'37;

Berigan '37-'38.

Lou Stein, b.Apr. 22, 1922. Pianist with McKinley '46-'47? / '53 / '54 / '66; Ventura '47;

Bradley '53; Hefti '54; Bellson '55 / '56.

Dave Tough, b.Apr. 26, 1908. Drummer with T Dorsey '36-'37; Berigan '38; Goodman

'38; Shaw '41-'42; Herman '44-'45; Ventura '47 (National session in March);

Teagarden (3/14/47 RCA Victor session).

Matty Matlock, b.Apr. 27, 1909. Clarinetist with Pollack '29-'34; Crosby '35-'42 /

'50-'52 / '56-'57 / '60 / '66 et al; Hackett '55.

Everett Barksdale, b.Apr. 28, 1910. Guitarist with Carter '40.

Duke Ellington, b.Apr. 29, 1899. Leader of own band.

Billy Ver Planck, b.Apr. 30, 1930. Trombonist – arranger with Thornhill '53; Dorsey Bros

'56-'57?; J Dorsey '52 / '56 (Fraternity session).

BIG BANDS IN-PERSON

Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart. Apr. 3, Penn State University,

State College, PA; Apr. 4, Kiski Area High School Auditorium, Leechburg, PA; Apr. 5,

Goshen College Music Center, Goshen, IN; Apr. 6, Fitzgerald's, Berwyn, IL; Apr. 25,

Arlee Theatre, Mason City, IL; Apr. 26, University of Missouri, St. Louis, MO; Apr.

27, Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS.

Harry James Orchestra directed by Fred Radke. Apr. 1, private event, Library of

Congress, Washington, DC.

Hal McIntyre Orchestra directed by Don Pentleton. Apr. 27, Capitol Theater, Rome, NY.

Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Nick Hilscher. Apr. 4, Royal Theatre, Victoria,

British Columbia, Canada; Apr. 8, Performing Arts Center of Wenatchee,

Wenatchee, WA; Apr. 10-13, Benayora Hall, Seattle, WA; Apr. 25, Charles W

Eisemann Center, Richardson, TX; Apr. 27, Diamondhead Country Club,

Diamondhead, MS; Apr. 28, Chipley High School, Chipley, FL.

Arte Shaw Orchestra directed by Matt Koza. Apr. 29, Jim Thorpe, PA.

NEW COMPACT DISCS

The Dorsey Brothers. "Recordings from 1928 to 1934," Crystal Stream Audio (Aus)

IDCD277.

Illinois Jacquet. “Illinois Jacquet Big Band: Live in Berlin 1987,” Squatty Roo Records 212.

Teddy Wilson. "Live At the King of France Tavern, September 1978," DKM-LiSem

Enterprises 804. A live performance in Annapolis, MD including Avalon, Sweet

Georgia Brown, and Lush Life/Take the 'A' Train.

IN-PRINT AND / OR ONLINE

"CHS to present Glenn Miller Orchestra," Holmes County Times Advertiser, Apr. 17,

2014. Article says former leaders of the GMO have included "trumpeter & jazz

educator Dick Lowenthal" and "drummer Clem DeRosa."

Meridee Duddleston. "Did the Cabaret Tax Kill the Big Bands?," WRTI.org, Apr. 14,

2014. Duddleston writes that the cabaret tax dealt a major blow to hiring bands.

"The Duke Ellington Center for the Arts Will Commemorate The Duke's 115th Birthday

With Outdoor Ceremony & Concert, 4/27-29," broadwayworld.com, Apr. 14, 2014.

Ellington's granddaughter, Mercedes, is the Founder/President of the Center.

Thomas Leskin. "Les Brown's brother, 'Stumpy,' inducted into arts council Hall of Fame,"

[ Pottsville, PA ] Republican Herald, Apr. 14, 2014. Brown is now age 88.

Mike Williams. "The Art of Lead Playing," DownBeat, Apr. 2014, p.82+. Williams has

played lead trumpet with The Count Basie Orchestra since 1987. He discusses such

great lead players as Snooky Young and Conrad Gozzo.

return to Big Band Library homepage

SPECIAL

ANNIVERSARY

April 2014 marks the 10th anniversary of me creating BigBandLibrary.com, and it has been and still is a labor of love and a free source of information.

I have written biographies of legendary bandleaders, monthly news, collectors' checklists, compiled various reference data, gathered images, and more.

It’s been a pleasure for me and I hope that you’re enjoying it. Thank you to all of the kind and interested people who’ve contacted me along the way!

Glenn Miller ( 1904-1944 )