Ray Anthony: Big Band Story

In 1963, bandleader and trumpeter Ray Anthony hosted a TV show from Hollywood called The Ray Anthony Show. In the following six-part video series, Anthony pays tribute to the swing bands of the late 1930s and '40s. What's fascinating about this showcase is that you get to see how the bands voiced their individual sounds as well as the crack musicians in Anthony's all-star band, many of whom take solos. We also get to see arranger Jerry Gray, Ann Richards, Herb Jeffries, Vicki Carr, Charlie Barnet, Les Brown and a vivid “crime jazz" segment. And how about Kellie Greene on piano and vibes?

A few notes: Dig the different conducting styles of the different guest leaders... Catch Dave Pell's near laugh as he solos on I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm. Pell [above] was a Les Brown alum... Also, less than a year later, alto saxophonist Joe Maini would be dead of an accidental gunshot.

The band: Ray Anthony (tp,vcl) Conrad Gozzo, John Audino, Jack Laubach, Joe Triscari (tp); Lloyd Elliot, Lewis McGreery, Frank Rosolino (tb); George Roberts (b-tb); Joe Maini, Abe Most (cl,as); Bob Hardaway, Dave Pell (cl,ts); Leo Anthony (bar); Kellie Greene (p,vib) Al Hendrickson (g) Don Simpson (b,arr) Nick Ceroli (d) Vikki Carr, Herb Jeffries, Ann Richards (vcl). [Above, Ray Anthony with then wife Mamie Van Doren]

A special thanks to reader Richard Salvucci...

Here's Part 1...



Here's Part 2...



Here's Part 3...



Here's Part 4...



Here's Part 5...



And here's Part 6...



PS: If you let the last part end and sit, a new eight-part Ray Anthony Show will start.