|
1949 |
Wardell
Gray Chronology |
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Created by Leif
Bo Petersen |
Last updated: August
3, 2020. |
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Date |
Event |
References/Further Details |
|
January |
Metronome Poll 1948 Tenor sax: 4. Wardell Gray |
Metronome, January 1949, ? |
|
January |
Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern 20-622 and
20-623. 10” 78 rpm.
records. Recorded December 27, 1947. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Modern 20-622 A Just You, Just Me, Just Bop part 1 Modern Music 20-622 B Just Bop part 2 Modern Music 20-623 A Just Bop part 3 Modern Music 20-623 B Just Bop part 4 |
“Disc Data,” Detroit Free
Press, January 22, 14: Review |
|
January early |
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. |
|
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. See discography for details. |
|
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 |
Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern Music 20-639 and
20-640. 10” 78 rpm. records. Recorded April 29, 1947. Howard McGhee et al. Modern Music 20-639 A Groovin’ High part 1 Modern Music 20-639 B Groovin’ High part 1 Errol Garner et al. Modern Music 20-640 A Blue Lou part 1 Modern Music 20-640 B Blue Lou part 2 |
Ad for Hudson-Ross,
Chicago Tribune, February 24, part 2, 1 S: Lists Modern Music 20-639
and 20-640. |
|
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. |
|
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 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 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 Music 20-641 and
20-642. 10” 78 rpm. records. Recorded April 29, 1947. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Modern Music 20-641 A One O’clock Jump Modern Music 20-641 B Two O’clock Jump Modern Music 20-642 A Three O’clock Jump Modern Music 20-642 B Four O’clock Jump |
Advance Record Releases,” Billboard,
March 5, 1949, 35. |
|
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. |
|
March |
J. C. Heard Released of Apollo 790 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded May 1948. J. C. Heard and His Orchestra Apollo 790 A Sugar Hips Apollo 790 B Coastin’ with J. C. |
”Advance Record Releases,” Billboard,
March 26, 1949, 115. “Record Reviews: Race,” Billboard,
April 23, 1949, 139: friendly review. |
|
March |
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Release of Capitol
15409. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded February 10, 1949. Benny Goodman and
His Orchestra 15409 A Undercurrent Blues 15409 B Ma Belle Marguerite |
“Advance Record releases,” Billboard, March 12, 1949, 44. |
|
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 ## 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. See discography for details. |
|
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). . See discography for details. |
|
April |
Tadd Dameron Release of Blue Note BN 559. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded September 13, 1948. Tadd Dameron Septet featuring Chino Pozo Blue Note BN 559-A Jahbero Tadd Dameron Sextet Blue Note BN 559-B Ladybird |
“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, April 16, 1949, 122.
“Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard,
April 30, 1949, 133: Positive review. |
|
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). See discography for details. |
|
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. |
See discography for details. |
|
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 Rendezvous, 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. 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. |
|
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. |
|
May 1 |
Benny Goodman, His Orchestra and Revue 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. |
“On the Upbeat,” Variety, April
27, 1949, 51. |
|
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 2. |
Ad in Milwaukee Journal, May 26,
1949, loc news, 5. |
|
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 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. See discography for details. |
|
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 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. See discography for details. |
|
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. See discography for details. |
|
August |
Wardell Gray Release of Sittin’
in with 506. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded April 1948. Wardell Gray Sittin’ in with 506 A Stoned Sittin’ in with 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 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. See discography for details. |
|
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 Raleigh, NC. |
“Benny Goodman and Wardell Gray,” Carolina Times, September 24, 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. |
See discography for details. |
|
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 |
Benny Goodman and His Orchestra Release of Capitol
57-758 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded September
18, 1949. Benny Goodman and
His Orchestra 57-758 A Why don’t We Do
This More Often 57-758 B Egg Head |
“Advance records Releases: Popular,” Billboard, October 25,
1949. |
|
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 (dr) 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 |
Tadd Dameron Sextet Release of Blue Note 1564 10” 78 rpm. record. Wardell Gray only appears on
Symphonette. Recorded September 13, 1948. Tadd Dameron Sextet Blue Note 1564-A Symphonette Recorded July 2, 1948 Thelonious Monk Quartet Blue Note 1564-B I Mean You. |
“Advance Record Releases: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, October 29, 1949, 112. “Record Reviews: Hot Jazz,” Billboard, November 19, 1949,105 |
|
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. |
See discography for details. |
|
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 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. 12th,” 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, January 27, 1950, 4. |
|
December late |
Wardell Gray Band Chicago, IL. Concert in Christmas week. McKie
Fitzhugh (mc). |
“Chicago Band Briefs,” Down Beat, December 30, 1949, 4. |
|
Probably late 1949 |
Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Release of Modern Music 20-694 and
20-696. 10” 78 rpm. records. Wardell Gray does not appear on
20-696 B. Recorded April 29, 1947. From Gene Norman’s Just Jazz Modern Music 20-694 A Hot House part 1 Modern Music 20-694 A Hot House part 2 Probably released late 1949. Modern Music 20-696 Recorded December 27, 1947. Modern Music 20-696 A C Jam Blues Recorded April 29, 1947. Errol Garner with Rhythm Section Modern Music 20-696 B Just You Just Me |
|
|
Probably late 1949 |
Wardell Gray Release of Sittin’ in with 533. 10” 78 rpm. record. Recorded April 1948, Wardell Gray Sittin’ in with 533 A Light Gray Sittin’ in with 533 B The Toup |
|