Results for "Big Band"

Broad St. Jazz

Broad St. Jazz Bands has some of the best Atlanta area musicians which are passionate about the jazz music and the transformative power it can have on a community. 

Broad St Jazz Bands mission is to entertain, enrich, unify, and connect our local community through Jazz music.

Mr. Tim Otis is the musical director of Broad St. Jazz Bands.  Tim is a retired U.S. Marine Corps musician, USMC All Star Jazz band member, and National Director for Musician Recruiting.

Jack Hylton

Born: July 2, 1892

Jack Hylton was a British pianist, bandleader, composer and impresario who played a key role in the development of popular dance music in the early 20th century. Born in Great Lever, Lancashire, on July 2, 1892, he began his career as a pianist and singer in his father's pub before working as a musical director for theater productions during World War I. In the 1920s and 1930s, Hylton's orchestra gained international recognition, recording extensively and touring across Europe. Hylton also introduced jazz and blues influences into British dance music, becoming known as the "British King of Jazz" and helping to popularize the genres in the UK

Sammy Kaye

Born: March 13, 1910

Sammy Kaye (1910 - 1987) was an American bandleader and songwriter best known for his tagline "Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye." Born in Lakewood, Ohio, Kaye studied at Ohio University before forming his own orchestra in the 1930s. His band became widely successful, recording numerous hits, most notably "Swing and Sway" in 1937 and "Daddy" in 1941. Kaye's band's signature style leaned more towards more sweet, catchy dance tunes, opposed to some of the louder, brassier and more solo-based bands of the era. He was also known for audience participation gimmicks, such as "So You Want to Lead a Band," where guests conducted his orchestra

Johnny Long (2)

Born: September 12, 1914

Johnny Long (1914–1972) was an American bandleader and violinist known for his sweet dance band style during the big band era. Born in Newell, North Carolina, he formed his own orchestra while attending Duke University, gaining popularity in the 1930s and 1940s. His band was distinguished by its smooth sound and emphasis on melody, producing hits like In a Shanty In Old Shanty Town, which became his signature song. Long’s group remained active for several decades, entertaining audiences with a mix of swing and traditional pop before his retirement.

Larry Gelberg

Henry Hall

Born: May 2, 1898

Henry Hall (born 2 May, 1898 in London) was best known for conducting and directing the BBC Dance Orchestra from the 1930s to the 1960s. Hall's first job was at the head office of the Salvation Army, which he composed several marches for. In World War I he served with the Royal Field Artillery, and played trumpet and piano in the regimental band, but it wasn't until the British dance band era of the 1930s that he became a household name and broadcasting star. He died on October 28, 1989, at 91-years-old

Graeme Wilson

Graeme Wilson is a saxophonist whose playing features on over 30 albums including releases by his own Quartet, Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra, ACV, Ushaw Ensemble and Bill Wells. His writing for ensembles large and small, including six jazz works for John Warren’s Voice of the North Jazz Orchestra, has been performed at venues such as Sage, Gateshead and Festspielhaus Hellerau, Dresden. Recent work includes duo releases A Cast of Thousands with Raymond MacDonald and Shoes for Losers with Andy Champion; an album of songs based on Italo Calvino stories for new group Monsterosa featuring vocalist Rebecca Hollweg; and  a score commissioned by Hexham Jazz Festival for the silent film Die Bergkatze

The Dorsey Brothers

The Dorsey Brothers, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, were influential American musicians and bandleaders who played pivotal roles in the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s. After initially performing together in various orchestras, including that of the Paul Whiteman (known as "The King of Jazz"), they formed their own bands in the late 1930s. Tommy, a virtuoso trombonist, and Jimmy, a talented saxophonist and clarinetist, each led successful ensembles, with Tommy's band renowned for its smooth, polished arrangements and Jimmy’s for its more vibrant, jazz-infused style. While they eventually parted ways professionally, both enjoyed prominent solo careers—Tommy in the big band world and Jimmy in jazz

Harry James and His Orchestra

Active since: 1939

Harry James' orchestra, formed in 1939, was one of the prominent big bands of the swing era. Initially a section leader in Benny Goodman's band, James quickly established his own ensemble, which became known for its vibrant brass section and energetic performances. The band featured notable soloists, including vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Helen Forrest and instrumentalists such as saxophonist Corky Corcoran, and achieved commercial success with hits like "You Made Me Love You" and "I Had the Craziest Dream." Known for its solid blend of jazz and popular music, Harry James' orchestra remained a significant presence in the swing and big band scene throughout the 1940s and beyond, adapting to changing musical tastes while maintaining its distinctive style.

Ambrose

Born: September 11, 1896

Bert Ambrose (known professionally as Ambrose) was an English bandleader, violinist, and composer, known for his influential role in the jazz and swing music scenes. Born in London, he moved to the United States in the early 1920s, where he became a prominent figure in both the jazz and dance band worlds. Ambrose led his own orchestra in the 1930s, performing at major venues and recording extensively. His skillful violin playing and knack for arranging contributed to his success, and he worked with a variety of well-known artists during his career. Ambrose's orchestra was recognized for its polished, sophisticated sound, which bridged the gap between dance music and the growing swing era.