Category: Artist Impact

Henry Mancini, the legendary composer whose melodies are woven into the fabric of cinematic history, is being honored on the anniversary of his 100th birthday. Born on April 16, 1924, Mancini’s contributions to the world of music, particularly in film scoring, have left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. Mancini’s journey into the world of … Continue reading Celebrating the Legacy of Henry Mancini: The Maestro’s 100th Anniversary

Ray McKinley, born June 18, 1910, in Fort Worth, Texas, was a legendary American musician and band leader whose rhythmic prowess left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and swing. His career spanned several decades, and his multifaceted talents as a drummer, vocalist, and bandleader contributed significantly to the evolution of big band … Continue reading Ray McKinley: A Rhythm Maker’s Musical Journey

The 1920s, smack-dab between a world war and a great depression, witnessed a flourishing cultural and artistic renaissance in America. The 1920s was a period of massive growth and innovation in music, witnessing the first electrical recordings, the explosion of jazz music, the proliferation of record players, the birth of radio. Among the notable figures … Continue reading Ambassador of Jazz to the Roaring Twenties: Gus Arnheim

In the vibrant world of swing, there are few figures as iconic and influential as Cab Calloway, the renowned band leader. Calloway’s talent, showmanship, and unique style made him a beloved and lasting figure of the swing era and beyond. Through his distinctive performances and captivating stage presence, Calloway brought swing to new heights and … Continue reading Of Minnie the Moocher and Me: Bandleader Cab Calloway

Saxophonist and bandleader Charlie Barnet was born into a wealthy family. His grandfather was Charles Frederick Daly, a vice-president for the New York Central Railroad, banker, and businessman. His father, a successful lawyer, wanted young Charlie to follow him into the family business. But Charlie had other plans. As a boy, Barnet attended exclusive boarding … Continue reading Charlie Barnet – Leader of “The Blackest White Band of Them All”

He could not read or compose music, nor carry a tune. But for all of his personal ‘musical short comings’, he had an uncanny ability to discover musical talent in others. Born in Chicago, Illinois to a Jewish family of Russian immigrants, Jack Kapp (born Jacob Kaplitzky) was a record company executive with Brunswick Records … Continue reading Jack Kapp – The Man with the Musical ‘Midas Touch’

High on a hill in Toronto, Canada, sits ‘Casa Loma Castle’. Replete with gables, turrets and arches, the medieval castle boasts more than 100 rooms, 60 bathrooms, 5000 electrical lights, and the largest wine cellar in North America. It cost Canadian industrial magnate Sir Henry Pellatt more than $5 million dollars to construct between 1911 … Continue reading The Casa Loma – High on a Hill and High in Popularity

He led one of the most influential small-groups of the swing era and played with such notable bands as Chick Webb, Fletcher Henderson and Benny Goodman. He also scored several hit standards including “Loch Lomond” and “Undecided”. And yet in spite of his innovation and talent, more people are inclined to associate the name “Kirby” … Continue reading Kirby: One Fine Vacuum Cleaner Or One Fine Swing Musician?

At 4 foot 11 inches tall and weighing a mere 82 pounds, her diminutive size could hardly be considered imposing. But the moment she began to sing, she brought everything to a standstill- and became the biggest talent in the room. Performing before a crowd of over 20,000 people at a memorial concert for the … Continue reading The Pint-sized Songstress of Pittsburgh – Maxine Sullivan

If bandleader Tommy Dorsey was known as “The Sentimental Gentleman of Swing”, then fellow bandleader Artie Shaw well could have deserved the moniker “The “Temperamental Grumpyman of Swing”. Widely regarded as one of jazz’s finest clarinetists alongside performers like Benny Goodman, Shaw led one of the most popular big bands of the late ‘30s and … Continue reading Artie Shaw: The Temperamental Grumpyman of Swing