1949		Wardell Gray Chronology
		Created by Leif Bo Petersen	Last updated: December 15, 2024.
Date		Event	References/Further Details
1949 early		Buddy Stewart Release of Sittin’ in with 512 Wardell Gray appears only on 512 B. Buddy Stewart and His Quartet Recorded April 1948. 512 A Laughing Boy Recorded November 12, 1948. 512 B Shawn
1949 early		Release of Dial 1030 10” 78 rpm recording. Alternative take of Relaxing at Camarillo Stupendous is a re-issue of Dial 1022-A. Charlie Parker All Stars Recorded February 26, 1947 1030-A Relaxing at Camarillo 1030-B Stupendous	Hudson-Ross ad in Chicago Tribune, February 24, 1949, part 2, 15: lists this record.
January		Metronome Poll 1948 Tenor sax: 1. Charlie Ventura 2. Flip Philips 3. Coleman Hawkins 4. Wardell Gray	“Modernists Cop Top Poll slots,” Metronome, January 1949, 25.
January		Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Gene Norman’s Just Jazz no. 1 Album of two 10” 78 rpm records. The records were also sold separately. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Recorded December 27, 1947. 20-622 A Just You, Just Me, Just Bop part 1 20-622 B Just Bop part 2 20-623 A Just Bop part 3 20-623 B Just Bop part 4	“Disc Data,” Detroit Free Press, January 22, 1949, 14: Positive: Review. “Album Reviews,” Billboard, March 26, 1949, 41: Positive review of Just Jazz no. 1. Rating 70 (good). “Record reviews,” Metronome, April 1949, 35: rather negative review. Just jazz No. 1: C (mediocre).
January early		Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern Music 20-639 and 20-640. 10” 78 rpm. records. Howard McGhee, Wardell Gray et al. Recorded April 29, 1947. 20-639 A Groovin’ High part 1 20-639 B Groovin’ High part 2 Errol Garner, Wardell Gray et al. Modern Music 20-640 A Blue Lou part 1 Modern Music 20-640 B Blue Lou part 2	“New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, January 5, 1949, 4C: reviews this record. “Records Noted,” Record Changer, April 1949, 18: Friendly review of this record. “Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Combo Jazz” Down Beat, May 20, 1949, 13: 20-640:: both sides: 3 notes (tasty). 20-639: Not reviewed.
January 1		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Nick Travis (tp); Milt Bernhart, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli (bar); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Terry Swope. Benny Goodman Sextet Benny Goodman, Wardell Gray, and the Rhythm. The Clarinaders 5 vocals including Buddy Greco and Terry Swope Buddy Lester Comedian. Peiro Bros Jugglers. Paramount Theater, Manhattan, New York, NY. Closing January 11, 1949. The press reported that Goodman suffered from severe illness at the end of the Paramount gig. Gene Krupa was called in to lead the band the last 4 days.	“Vaudeville Reviews: Paramount, New York,” Billboard, December 25, 1948, 42: Review on opening night, December 15. Ad in New York Times, January 11, 1949, 35: Has new show opening at Paramount on January 12. “Fever Hits Goodman; Doctor Orders Rest,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 36. “BG Take Stage shows in hand; Pulls a Switch,” Down Beat, January 13, 1949, 3: review.
January 7		Benny Goodman Sextet Benny Goodman (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Buddy Greco (p); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d). Stork Club, New York, NY. Goodman made a one night appearance here with his sextet during his Paramount engagement. January 7, 1949: WINS Broadcast at 11:00–11:30 p.m.: Bop Goes to the Stork Club. Jack Lacy (mc). Recorded fragment exists.	“Walter Winchell on Broadway,” Courier-Post (Camden, NJ), January 3, 1949, 18. “Today’s Radio Best Bets” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, January 7, 1949, 21. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
January 20		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Guy Lombardo and His Orchestra Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra Lionel Hampton and His Orchestra National Guard Armory, Washington, DC. President’s Inauguration Ball. TV broadcasts by several network: 10:00–11:00 pm. Radio broadcast by several networks: 10:15 pm.–1 am. Recording exists. Goodman played the Inaugural Ball against his doctor’s advice. He had to leave the bandstand during performance and let Lionel Hampton take over the band. Goodman returned to California on January 21 in order to rest. A Capitol recording date in January was cancelled.	“Orks, Stars Lined Up for Inaugural Ball,” Billboard, January 15, 1949, 38. “Radio and TV Throw Curves at Inaugural,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 3 and 5. “Programs on the Air,” New York Times, January 20, 1949, 54: 10:OO–11:00: WCBS, WNET, WJZ-TV,: Inaugural Ball. “On the Air,” Gazette and Daily (York, PA), January 20, 1949, 26: WRZE (Continental Network): 11:30– pm.–1:00 am.: Inauguration Ball. “Fever Hits Goodman; Doctor Orders Rest,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 36. “Illness Forces Goodman to Leave Inaugural Ball,” “Niagara Falls Gazette, January 21, 1949, 6. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
January late		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Buddy Greco leads the band as it moves to the West Coast doing one-niters.	D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 194.
January 21		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL.	Ad in Chicago Tribune, January 16, 1949, part 7, 14.
January 22		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders The Hub, Edelstein, IL.	Ad in Daily Times-Press (Streator, IL), January 14, 1949, 2.
January 23		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Armar Ballroom, Cedar Rapids, IA.	Ad in Gazette, January 23, sec. 3, 11: tonight.
January 25		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Coconut Groove, Salt Lake City, UT. Cancelled.	Ad in Salt Lake Tribune, January 22, 1949, 12: Planned but cancelled because of Benny Goodman’s absence from the band.
January 27		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Bennie Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Pinky Lee (comedy) Herkie Styles (comedy) Nick and Taylor (dance) Eight Lucky Girls (dance) Flamingo Club, Las Vegas, NV. January 27–February 9? Goodman fires Wardell Gray during this engagement, but this cannot be effectuated because of the contract’s clause of six-month’s notice. Gray continues.	“Fever Hits Goodman; Doctor Orders Rest,” Billboard, January 29, 1949, 36. “Benny Goodman Packing Flamingo with Top Show” Las Vegas Review-Journal,” January 30, 1949, 4: Review. “Goodman Adds Comic,” Variety February 16, 1949, 47: Herkie Styles became a regular member of the Goodman show last week. Milt Bernhart in G. Lees, Friends Along the Way (2003) 30.
February		Wardell Gray Release of Sittin’ in with 533. 10” 78 rpm. record. Wardell Gray Recorded April 1948, 533 A Light Gray 533 B The Toup	Ad from The jazz Record Corner, Metronome, March 1949: lists this record. No Billboard release mentions have been found. No Metronome and Down Beat reviews have been found.
February 10		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
February 11		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Bennie Goodman Sextet The Clarinaders Herkie Styles (comedy) Nick and Taylor (dance) Urbita Ballroom, San Bernardino, CA. 9–1:00 am.	“Benny Goodman coming to S, B,” San Bernardino Daily Sun, February 7, 1949, 4. Ad in San Bernardino Daily Sun, February 11, 1949, 4.
February 12		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Pacific Square Ballroom, San Diego, CA. 9:00–1:00 pm.	“Benny Goodman Plays Saturday,” San Diego Union, February 9, 1949, 11. Ad in San Diego Union, February 12, 1949, A-8.
February 16		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco, CA. 8:30 pm.	Ad in San Francisco Examiner, February 16, 1949, 16. “Goodman Band Here Tonight,” San Francisco Examiner, February 16, 1949, 16. “Swinging the Golden Gate,” Down Beat, March 11, 1949, 16.
February 17		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Oakland Auditorium, Oakland, CA. Dance.	Ad in San Francisco Examiner, February 16, 1949, 16.
February 18		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Memorial Auditorium Sacramento, CA. 9–1:00 am.	Ad in Sacramento Bee, February 18, 1949, 11.
February 20		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Edgewater Ballroom, San Francisco, CA. February 20–21.	Ad in San Francisco Examiner, February 20, 1949, Pictorial Section, no page number.
February 23		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Dream Bowl, Vallejo, CA.	Ad in Vallejo Times Herald, February 20, 1949, 23.
February 24		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Civic Auditorium, Hanford, CA.	Ad in Hanford Morning Journal, February 24, 1949, “Nearly 1400 Hear Genius of Benny Goodman’s Clarinet in Auditorium,” Hanford Morning Journal, February 26, 1949, 10.
February 25		Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern 20-622 and 20-623. Just Jazz no. 1 Modern 20-641 and 20-642. Just Jazz no. 2 Albums of two 10” 78 rpm records.. Recorded December 27, 1947 Gene Norman Presents 20-622 Just You, Just Me, Just Bop (part 1) Just You, Just Me, Just Bop (part 2) 20-623 Just Bop (part 1) Just Bop (part 2) Recorded April 29, 1947 20-641 One O’Clock Jump (part one) One O’Clock Jump (part two) 20.642 One O’Clock Jump (part three) One O’Clock Jump (part four)	Ad for Hudson-Ross: lists these albums. “Album Reviews,” Billboard, March 19, 1949, 45: Very positive review of Just Jazz no. 2. Rating 80 (excellent) “Album Reviews,” Billboard, March 16, 1949, 41: Positive review of Just Jazz no. 2. Rating 70 (good). “Record reviews,” Metronome, April 1949, 35: rather negative reviews. Just jazz No. 1: C (mediocre). Just jazz No. 2: C+ (fair).
February 26		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue 9-1 Pavilion, Stanford University, Stanford, ASSU Cardinals (prod).	Ad in Stanford Daily, February 21, 1. Concert flyer.
March		Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern 20-641 and 20-642, Gene Norman’s Just Jazz no. 2 Album of two 10” 78 rpm records.. The records were also sold separately. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Recorded April 29, 1947. 20-641 A One O’clock Jump 20-641 B Two O’clock Jump 20-642 A Three O’clock Jump 20-642 B Four O’clock Jump	Advance Record Releases; Hot Jaxx,” Billboard, March 5, 1949, 35: lists Modern 20-640 and 20-641. “Album Reviews,” Billboard, March 19, 1949, 45: Very positive review of Just Jazz no. 2. Rating 80 (excellent) “Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Combo Jazz” Down Beat, May 20, 1949, 13: 20-640: both sides: 3 notes (tasty). “Record Reviews,” Metronome, April 1949, 35: Rather negative review. Just jazz No. 2: C+ (fair). .
March		Al Haig Quintet - Wardell Gray Release of Seeco 10-002 10” 78 rpm. record. Al Haig Quintet with Wardell Gray Recorded December1948/January 1949 10-002A Sugar Hill Bop 10-002B Five Star	“Advance Record Release: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, March 4, 1948, 35. “Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, March 12, 1949, 131: Very Positive Review. Diggin’ the Discs with Tom: Combo Jazz,” Down Beat, April 8, 1949, 14: positive review: Sugar Hill Bop: 3 notes. (tasty) Five Star: 2 notes.(tepid). “Record reviews,” Metronome ,May 1949, 35: positive review. Both sides B (fairly good).
March		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Release of Capitol 15409. 10” 78 rpm. record. Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Recorded February 10, 1949. 15409 A Undercurrent Blues 15409 B Ma Belle Marguerite	“Advance Record releases,” Billboard, March 12, 1949, 44. “Record reviews,” Metronome ,May 1949, 35: rather negative review. Ma Belle Marguerite: C– (poor); Undercurrent Blues; B– (fairly good). “Diggin’ the Discs with Tom,” Down Beat, April 22, 1949, 22: rather positive. Undercurrent Blues: three Notes (tasty). Ma Belle Marguerite: two notes (tepid).
March 1		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Nick Travis (tp); Milt Bernhart, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli (bar); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Sabu Martinez (bgo); Terry Swope (voc). Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, CA. March 1–April 3. Broadcasts by CBS: Weekdays, except Mondays: 10:30–11:00 pm. PT. Sundays: 11:00–11·30 pm. PT. Surviving recordings exist. Material from some of these broadcasts can be found on: AFRS One Night Stand nos. 1901, 1911, 193, 1946, 1957, 1974, and 1994. Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA.	“Chatter,” Variety (Daily), February 19, 1949, 2: Opening March 1 for four weeks. “Music–As Written,” Billboard, April 2, 1949, 50: Gene Krupa follows Goodman at the Palladium on Tuesday (5). “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 1, 1949, 15: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 2, 1949, 23: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 3, 1949, 21: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 4, 1949, 24: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 5, 1949, 15: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Program,” Hanford Daily Sentinel, March 6, 1949, 2: KRFE (CBS): 11:00–11:55. pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 8, 1949, 17: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 9, 1949, 21: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 10, 1949, 21: KERN (CBS): 10:45–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 11, 1949, 21: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 12, 1949, 15: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Program,” Hanford Daily Sentinel, March 13, 1949, 2: KRFE (CBS): 11:00–11:30: pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 15, 1949, 15: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 16, 1949, 20: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “KGGM-CBS,” Albuquerque Journal, March 17, 1949, 22: 11:30: Benny Goodman Orch. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 18, 1949, 24: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 19, 1949, 17: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Program,” Hanford Daily Sentinel, March 20, 1949, 2: KRFE (CBS): 11:00–11:30 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 22, 1949, 17: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 23, 1949, 25: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 24, 1949, 25: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 25, 1949, 21: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 26, 1949, 15: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Program,” Hanford Daily Sentinel, March 27, 1949, 2: KRFE (CBS): 11:00–11·30 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 29, 1949, 19: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 30, 1949, 26: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, March 31, 1949, 26: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, April 1, 1949, 20: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Programs from Local Stations,” the Bakersfield Californian, April 2, 1949, 20: KERN (CBS): 10:30–11:00 pm.: Benny Goodman. “Radio Program,” Hanford Daily Sentinel, April 3, 1949, 2: KRFE (CBS): 10:30–11:00: Benny Goodman. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
March 21		J. C. Heard Release of Apollo 790 10” 78 rpm. record. J. C. Heard and His Orchestra Recorded May 1948. 790 A Sugar Hips 790 B Coastin’ with J. C.	“Rave Records,” Baltimore Afro-American, May 21, 1949, 2 news sec, 8: Gives release date March 21. 1949. ”Advance Record Releases,” Billboard, March 26, 1949, 115. “Record Reviews: Race,” Billboard, April 23, 1949, 139: friendly review. “Record Reviews,” Metronome, May 1949, 35: Negative review.
March 24		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Nick Travis (tp); Milt Bernhart, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli (bars); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Louis Sabu Martinez (bgo); The Clarinaders (voc); Arturo “Chico” O'Farrill (arr). Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
March 31		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Irving Goodman (tp); Bill Byers, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Bob Dawes (bars); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Bud Herman (p); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Terry Swope, The Clarinaders (voc); Arturo “Chico” O'Farrill (arr). Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	“Los Angeles band Briefs,” Down Beat, May 6, 1949, 9: Nick Travis leaves (his chair was taken by Irving Goodman during recent Capitol recordings). No replacement for Travis at press time. “Sidemen Switches,” Down Beat, July 29, 1949, 4: Bill Byers replaces Milt Bernhardt (tb, and Bob Dawes replaces Larry Molinelli (bars). . For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
April		Tadd Dameron Release of Blue Note BN 559. 10” 78 rpm. record. Tadd Dameron Septet featuring Chino Pozo Recorded September 13, 1948. 559-A Jahbero Tadd Dameron Sextet 559-B Ladybird	“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, April 16, 1949, 122. “Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, April 30, 1949, 133: Positive review. “Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, April 30, 1949, 133: Positive review. “Records Noted,” Record Changer, June 1950, 12: Positive review. “Fats Navarro, probably the best all-around trumpet man in the business.” “Record Reviews,” Metronome, June 1949, 26: Jahbero: C (mediocre); Lady Bird: B (fairly good).
April 12		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Howard Reich, Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, Sigmund “Ziggy” Schatz (tp); Bill Byers, Eddie Bert, George Monte (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Bob Dawes (bars); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Bud Herman (p); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Terry Swope (voc). Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	“Sidemen Switches,” Down Beat, July 29, 1949, 4: Ziggy Schatz replaces Nick Travis (tp). For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
April 14		Benny Goodman Septet Doug Mettome (tp); Benny Goodman (cl); Wardell Gray (ts); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Clyde Lombardi (b); Sonny Igoe (d). Capitol Studios, Hollywood, CA. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
April 18		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra and Revue Benny Goodman Sextet Herkie Styles (comedy) Nicks and Taylor (dance) The Clarinaders Tony’s El Patio, Reno, NV.	Ad in Reno Evening Gazette, April 18, 1949, 2.
April 20		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Rainbow Rendevu, Salt Lake City, UT. April 20–23.	Ad in Salt Lake Tribune, April 20, 1949, 24.
April 24		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Colorado University, Boulder, CO.	“Goodman Preps 1-night Vauder,” Billboard, April 9, 1949, 19.
April 25		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Russell Shrine Club, Russell, KS. Spring Party.	“Benny Goodman Plans for Russell Shrine,” Hutchinson News Herald, April 13, 1948, 3.
April 26		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Rainbow Ballroom, Denver, CO.	D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 197.
April 27		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Pla-Mor Ballroom, Kansas City, KS. Russ Morgan (prod).	“What to See in Kansas City,” Iola Register, April 21, 1949. Ad in Kansas City Star, April 27, 1949, 27.
April 28		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Iowa State University, Ames, IA.	“Goodman Preps 1-night Vauder,” Billboard, April 9, 1949, 19.
April 30		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue University of Minnesota, Rochester, MN. Stardust Ball.	“Day Brightener,” Star Tribune Minneapolis, MN), April 26, 1949, 14.
May early		Al Haig Quintet with Wardell Gray Release of Seeco 10-003. 10” 78 rpm. record. Al Haig Quintet with Wardell Gray Recorded December1948/January 1949 10-003A In a Pinch 10-003B It’s the Talk of the Town	“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, May 7, 1949, 125: very positive review. “Record Reviews,” Metronome, June 1949, 27: very negative review: both sides: C (mediocre)
May Early		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Release of Capitol 57-568 and 57-586. 10” 78 rpm. records. Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Recorded March 24, 1949. 57-568 A Having a Wonderful Wish 57-568 B Shiskabop 57-586 A That Wonderful Girl of Mine Recorded March 31, 1949. 57-586 B The Huckle-Buck	“Advance Record Releases: Popular,” Billboard, April 23, 1949, 40. “Record Reviews, Metronome, June 1949, 26–27: very negative review: All sides: C (mediocre). “Diggin’ the Discs with Mix,” Down Beat, June 3, 1949, 14: very negative reviews: All sides: two notes (tepid).
May 1		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Al George’s Orchestra George Devine’s Million Dollar Ballroom, Milwaukee, WI. 7–1 am.	Ad in Milwaukee Journal, April 29, 1949, 25.
May 2		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Capitol Theater, Madison, WI. 5 Stage Shows: 2,. 4:15, 6:30, and 10;00 pm.	Ad in Capital Times, May 2, 1949, 9.
May 3		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Parthenon Theater, Munster, IN. Stage shows at 2:40 and 7:30 pm.	Ad in Times (Munster, IN.) May 3, 1949, 9.
May 5		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue St. Louis Theater, St. Louis, MO. May 5–11. Stage shows at 7:10 and 9:30 pm.	“Ad in St. Louis Star and Times, May 5, 1959, 30.
May 12		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Bradley College, Peoria, IL. Probably cancelled.	“On the Upbeat,” Variety, April 27, 1949, 51.
May 12		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra Huff Gymnasium, Urbana-Champaign, IL. 10:45–11:45 pm.	“Plenty of Goodman at Senior Ball, Less Dancing,” Daily Illini Urbana, May 13, 1949, 1.
May 14		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Shryock Auditorium, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. 8:00 p.m.: Concert. 9:30 p.m.: Dance.	Ad in Murphysboro Daily Independent, May 13, 1949, 2. “King of Swing Swinging,” Murphysboro Daily Independent, May 13, 1949, 2.
May 15		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Club Madrid, Louisville, KY. Sunday Night,	Ad in Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY.), May 15, 1949, 3.
May 16		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Coliseum, Evansville, IN. 7 p.m. and 8:30 pm.	Ad in Evansville Courier and Press, May 16, 9.
May 19		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Circle Theater, Indianapolis. IN. May 19–25.	Ad in Indianapolis Star, May 19, 1949, 24.
May 26		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, WI. May 26–June 1.	Ad in Milwaukee Journal, May 26, 1949, loc news, 5.
June 2		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Fruitport Pavilion, Grand Rapids, MI.	Ad in Grand Rapids Press, May 31, 1949, 12.
June 3		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Ocean Beach Ballroom, New London, CT.	“Capacity for BG in Conn.,” Billboard, July 16, 1949, 41.
June 4		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Windsor Arena, Ontario, Canada. 8:30 pm. Optimist Club of Windsor (prod).	Ad in Windsor Star, June 4, 1949, sec. 3, 8.
June 5		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Moonlight Terrace, Sandy Beach Park, Russell’s Point, OH.	Ad in Sidney Daily News, June 2, 1949, 8.
June 6		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Ohio Theatre, Mansfield, OH. Stage shows: 2:25, 4:42, 7:25, and 9:40 pm.	Ad in News-Journal, June 6, 1949, 10.
June 9		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Ches-a-Rena, Cheswick, PA. 9–1 am.	Ad in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 8, 1949, 12.
June 10		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Hecla Park, Mingoville, PA.	Ad in Express (Lock Haven, PA.), June 4, 1949, 2.
June 11		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Sunnybrook, Pottstown, PA.	Ad in Pottstown Mercury, June 9, 1949, 21.
June 18		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Hershey Park Ballroom, Hershey, PA. CBS Broadcast. Recordings exist.	“Ad in Daily Intelligencer Journal, June 18, 1949, 10. “Radio Programs,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 18, 1949, Daily Magazine, 3: WJAS (CBS): 11:30–12:00: Benny Goodman. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
June 20		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Auto Inn, Plattsburgh, NY.	Ad in Plattsburgh Press-Republican, June 15, 1949, ?
June 25?		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Armory, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.	D. Russell Connor, Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 197.
June 26		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Mancuso Theatre, Batavia, NY. Shows at: 1:45, 3:50, 5:50, 7:50, and 10:00 pm.	Ad in Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, NY), June 25, 11.
July		Benny Goodman Release of Capitol 57-621 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded April 14, 1949. Benny Goodman and His Sextet 57-621 A Bedlam 57-621 B Oo-Bla-Dee	“Record Reviews: Popular,” Billboard, July 2, 1949, 37: friendly review. “Diggin’ the Diss with Mix: combo Jazz,” Down Beat, July 29, 1949, 14: rather negative review. Both sides two notes (tepid). “Record reviews,” Metronome, August 1939, 27: Friendly review: Oo-bla-dee: B- (fairly good); Bedlam: B (good),
July 1		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, VT. New York Herald’s Fresh Air Fund (prod).	Ad in Perry Herald, June 16, 1949, 3.
July 2		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Sun Valley, Shrewsbury, MA.	Ad in Fitchburg Sentinel (MA.), June 30, 1949, 10.
July 3		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Ocean Beach Park Ballroom, New London, CT. 8:30–1:0 0 am.	Ad in Hartford Courant, July 1, 1949, 26.
July 4		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Armory North Adams, MA.	Ad in North Adams Transcript, Jun 28, 1949, 3.
July 5		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Al Stewart, Doug Mettome, John Wilson, Howard Reich (tp); Billy Byers, George Monte, poss. Mario Daone (tb); Benny Goodman (cl); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Bob Dawes (bars); Buddy Greco (p); Francis Beecher (g); Bob Carter (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Marcy Lutes (voc); Arturo “Chico” O'Farrill (arr). Capitol Studios, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	“Sidemen Switches,” Down Beat, August 12, 1949, 11: John Wilson (tp), Gene Steinman (tb), and Bob Carter (b) replace Howard Reich, Eddie Bert, and Clyde Lombardi. “Sidemen Switches,” Down Beat, August 26, 1949, 17: Mario Daone (tb) replaces Gene Steinman. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
July late		Benny Goodman Release of Capitol 57-6000 10” 78 rpm record. Benny Goodman and His Sextet Recorded April 14, 1949. Capitol 57-60009-Y Blue Lou Capitol 57-60009-Z There’s a small Hotel	“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, July 23, 1949, 34. “Record Reviews,” Billboard, September 24, 1949, 34: friendly review: Overall rating: Blue Lou: 82 (excellent); There’s a Small Hotel (72 (good) “Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: combo Jazz,” Down Beat, October 21, 1949, 15: friendly review: Both sides 3 notes (tasty). “Record Reviews,” Metronome, September 1949, 35: Positive review: Blue Lou: B- (fairly good); There’s a Small Hotel; B (good)
July/August		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Planned European tour starting July 18 with Goodman and Buddy Greco and local musicians at the Palladium, London. The full orchestra had six weeks’ vacation and was planned to join Goodman in Europe later for a continental tour. The tour is cancelled after Goodman’s Palladium appearance.	“Goodman Europe Tour Schedule Settled,” Down Beat, July 15, 1949, 1. “Benny Goodman Unit Clicks at Palladium,” Variety, July 20, 1949, 44. “BG Drops Europe Tour,” Down Beat, September 9, 1949, 1.
July/August		Phil Hill Band Wardell Gray (ts); Phil Hill (p); James “Beans” Richardson (b); Art Mardigan (d); Jack Tiant (bgo). Blue Bird Inn, Detroit, MI. July 20, 1949: Private recording exists.	Michigan Chronicle August 6, 1949, according to L. Bjorn and J. Gallart, Before Motown (2001), 101: Wardell Gray is in Detroit and gigs with Phil Hill at the Blue Bird. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
August		Wardell Gray Release of Sittin’ in with 506. 10” 78 rpm. record. Wardell Gray Recorded April 1948. 506 A Stoned 506 B Matter of Mind	“New Popular Records,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, September 1, 1949, 4D: positive review. Ad for Castle Records, Billboard, September 25, 1948.
August 25		Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue Probably: Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Al Stewart, Doug Mettome, John Wilson, Ziggy Schatz (tp); George Monte, Bill Byers, Mario Daone (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as); Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); probably Joe Casalaro (bars); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Bob Carter (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Emily Long, The Clarinaders (voc). Cambridge Country Club, Cambridge, MD. Cambridge Country Club (prod).	“Benny Goodman to Play on Shore,” Daily Times (Salisbury, MD) August 23, 1949, 7.
August late	Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra Release of National 9086. 10” 78 rpm. records. Wardell Gray only appears on Solitude. Billy Eckstine and His Orchestra Recorded April 21, 1947. 9086-A Solitude Unidentified recording date 9086-B I Do — Do You		Record Reviews. Popular," Billboard, August 27, 1949, 102: reserved review. Overall ratings: Solitude (82); I Do, Do You (66). “Record Reviews,” Metronome, October 1940, 28: reserved review: I Do, Do You: B (good); Solitude. B- (fairly good).
August 26		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Canada. August 26–27, 1951. Two shows daily: 3–5 p.m. and 9–1 a.m. This seem to have been shortened to August 26 or cancelled.	“Benny Goodman to Play at Exposition on C-E Day,” Buffalo Courier-Express, August 14, 1949, 6B
August 27		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Surf Beach Club, Virginia Beach, VA. August 27–September 5. August 27: 1949: WTAR (NBC) broadcast. September 3, 1949: WTAR (NBC) broadcasts. Recordings exist.	“Where the Bands Are Playing,” Down Beat, September 9, 1949, 17. D. Russell Connor. Benny Goodman – Listen to His Legacy (1988), 197–98. “Radio Programs,’’ Daily Press (Newport News), August 27, 1949, 6: WTAR: 11:30–12: Midnight Ballroom. For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
September 7		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Recreation Building, Beckley, WV. 9 p.m.–1 a.m. Junior Chamber of Commerce (prod).	“Benny Goodman to Appear in Beckley September 7,” Raleigh Register, August 25, 3.
September 9		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Armory Auditorium, Charlotte, NC. 9:00-	“Goodman Plays Charlotte Thursday,” Gastonia Gazette, September 6, 1949, 1.
September 14		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Memorial Auditorium, Raleigh, NC.	Ad in News and Observer, September 14, 1949, 16.
September 15		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC.	Ad in State, September 14, 1949, 2.
September 16		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Marcy Lutes (voc) Sports Arena, Greensboro, NC.	“Goodman to Play Here,” Greensboro Daily News, September 15, 1949, sec. 2-14: Including Sonny Igoe, Wardell Gray, Dolly Houston, Buddy Greco, and Doug Mettome.
September 17		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Grand View Ballroom, Chesapeake Bay, Hampton, VA. Festival Ball.	“Gregg Sherwood Is Chosen Queen of Hampton Festival,” Richmond Times Dispatch, September 11, 38.
September 18		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Benny Goodman (cl, dir); Doug Mettome, Al Stewart, John Wilson, Ziggy Schatz (tp); George Monte, Bill Byers, Mario Daone (tb); Mitch Goldberg, Angelo Cicalese (as) Wardell Gray, Eddie Wasserman (ts); Larry Molinelli, probably Joe Casalaro (bars); Buddy Greco (p, voc); Francis Beecher (g); Bob Carter (b); Sonny Igoe (d); Dolly Houston The Heathertones (voc). Unidentified studio, New York, NY. Commercial recordings for Capitol.	For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
September 19		The Benny Goodman His Orchestra and Big Vaudeville Show. 26 pieces incl. Doug Mettome (tp); Wardell Gray (ts); Buddy Greco (p & voc); Sonny Igoe (d); Dolly Houston (voc). Herkie Styles (comedy) Nick &Taylor (dance) The Four Step Bros Adeleine Niece (voc) The Wally Wanger Casino Beautees The Gauchos The Madhatters Gino Bono’s Orchestra Town Casino, Buffalo, NY. September 19–25. Three shows pr. Night 7:30, 10:30, and 1:00 p.m. Lenny Page (mc).	“Benny Goodman Coming to Casino,” Buffalo Courier-Express, September 18, 1949, 3C Ad in Buffalo Courier-Express, September 20, 1949, 6.
September 26		The Benny Goodman, His orchestra and Revue Vogue Terrace, McKeesport, PA. September 26–October 2.	Ad in Evening Standard (Uniontown. PA.), September 24, 1949, 7.
September late or October early		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Wardell Gray leaves Goodman and is replaced by Zoot Sims.	“Sidemen Switches,” Down Beat, November 18, 1949, 9. Claes Dahlgreen: “Nytt Fran New York,” Orkester Journalen, November 1949, 14: states that it was because of drinking problems.
October 7		Bud Powell Band Miles Davis (tp), Bud Powell (p) Nelson Boyd (b), Roy Haynes (dr). Wardell Gray Band Sonny Stitt (as), Wardell Gray (ts), Tadd Dameron (p), Gene Ramey (b), Charlie Perry (d) Orchid Room, NYC. October 7–13, 1949.	“Orchid Room Closes After 3 Weeks.” Down Beat, November 18, 1949, 3: Bud Powell held over heading a group of Miles Davis, Nelson Boyd, and Roy Haynes. Alternating with a Wardell Gray Group. Claes Dahlgreen: “Nytt Fran New York,” Orkester Journalen, November 1949, 14.
Late in the year?		Freddie Slack Band	Jerri Gray, “Mes Dix Années Avec Wardell Gray,” Jazz Magazine, September 1955, 20.
October late		Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Release of Capitol 57-758 10” 78 rpm. record. Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Recorded September 18, 1949. 57-758 A Why don’t We Do This More Often 57-758 B Egg Head	“Advance records Releases: Popular,” Billboard, October 25, 1949. “Record Reviews,” Metronome, December 1949, 33: negative review: Egg Head: C+ (fair); Why Don’t We…: C (mediocre).
October late		Tadd Dameron Sextet Release of Blue Note 1564 10” 78 rpm. record. Wardell Gray appears only on Symphonette. Tadd Dameron Sextet Recorded September 13, 1948. 1564-A Symphonette Thelonious Monk Quartet Recorded July 2, 1948 1564-B I Mean You.	“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, October 29, 1949, 112. “Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, November 19, 1949,105: “…and an unbilled talented trumpeter who sounds like Fats Navarro.” “Diggin’ the Discs with Mix: Combo Jazz” Down Beat, December 16, 1949, 14: Symphonette: 3 notes (tasty). The reviewer guesses on Miles Davis for the trumpet solo.
November		Wardell Gray Quartet Wardell Gray has signed with Associated Booking Corporation (Joe Glaser) leading own band.	“Wardell a Leader,” Down Beat, December 2, 1949, 18.
November 11		Wardell Gray Quartet Wardell Gray (ts); Al Haig (p); Tommy Potter (b); Roy Haynes (d). Unidentified studio, NYC. September 11, 1949. Commercial recordings for Prestige.	For details see: http://www.wardellgray.org/discography.html
November 24		Wardell Gray Quartet Corpus Christie Auditorium, Chicago, IL. McKie Fitzhugh (mc).	“Wardell a Leader,” Down Beat, December 2, 1949, 18.
December		Phil Hill Band Blue Bird Inn, Detroit, MI. Gray replaces Frank Foster temporarily. Works in the band in and out for the next half year.	Michigan Chronicle December 24, 1949, acc. to L. Bjorn and J. Gallart. Before Motown (2001), 102, 125.
December 5		Count Basie Orchestra Emmet Berry, Jimmy Nottingham, Clark Terry, Harry Edison (tp); Ted Donelly, William seals, Dickie Wells (tb); Earl Warren (as, voc); Willie Parker (as); Wardell Gray, C.Q. Price (ts); Jack Washington (bars); Freddie Green (g); Count Basie (p, dir); Singleton Palmer (b); Butch Ballard (d); Jimmy Rushing (voc). Blue Note, Chicago, IL. December 5–11. 16 pieces: Including Wardell Gray. He replaces Paul Gonsalves who had joined Dizzy Gillespie.	Ad in Chicago Tribune, December 4, 1959, part 7, 4. “Hit the Blue Note,” Chicago Defender, December 12, 1949, 35: Photo and text. Basie in for a week closing December 11. “Basie Best of What’s Left,” Down Beat, January 13, 1950, 21: Review from the Blue Note with personnel.
December early		Wardell Gray Tom Archia Claude McLin Ethel Duncan Bop City, Chicago, IL.	“Windy City Chatter,” Ohio Daily-Express, December 12, 1949, 3.
December 12		Celebrity Night Savannah Churchill, Duke Williams, Bill Greaves, Wardell Gray, Jim Breedlove and others. Turbo Village, Brooklyn, New York, NY. Larry Douglas (prod).	“Celebrity Nights to Tee off Dec. 12^th,” New York Age, December 10, 1949, 8.
December 24		Lavern Baker and Wardell Gray's Sextet Miramar Ballroom, Gary, IN. Breakfast dance.	Ad in Chicago Defender, according to http://campber.people.clemson.edu/saunders.html
December 24		Claude McLin Orchestra featuring Wardell Gray Pershing Ballroom, Chicago, IL. Christmas Evening Ball.	“Chicago Band Briefs,” Down Beat, December 30, 1949, 4: One-niter in Christmas week. McKie Fitzhugh (prod). “Chicago Band Briefs,” Down Beat, January 27, 1950, 4.
December 30		Down Beat Readers Poll 1949 Tenor sax: 1. Flip Philips 2. Stan Getz 3. Coleman Hawkins 4. Wardell Gray 5. Lester Young	“Final ‘Beat’ Poll Results” Down Beat December 30, 1949, 12.
December 31		New Year’s Dance Tiny Davis and her Hell Divers Including Tiny Davis (tp, dir) Wardell Gray Exhibition Hall, Municipal Auditorium, Kansas City, MO.	“To Play New Year’s Eve Dance-Party,” Kansas City Call, December 23, 1949, 11: Phot and caption.
Probably l194 9ate		Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Music 20-694 and 20-696. 10” 78 rpm. records. Wardell Gray does not appear on 20-696 B. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Recorded April 29, 1947. 20-694 A Hot House part 1 20-694 A Hot House part 2 Recorded December 27, 1947. 20-696 696 A C Jam Blues Recorded April 29, 1947. 20-696 B Just You Just Me	No Billboard release mentions have been found. No Metronome and Down Beat reviews have been found.
Probably late 1949		Bopland Boys Release of Savoy 962–964 10” 78 rpm- discs. Wardell Gray is heard in ensemble themes and riffs. He is soloing on part 3 and 4. The Bopland Boys Recorded July 6, 1947. 962-A Bopland part 1 962-B Bopland part 2 963-A Bopland part 3 963-B Bopland part 4 964-A Bopland part 5 964-B Bopland part 6	No Billboard release mentions have been found. No Metronome and Down Beat reviews have been found.