Two Kays - Kay Kyser and Sammy Kaye

Two Kays - Kay Kyser and Sammy Kaye

Author: Frank Miller August 10, 2024 Duration: 59:27
This week I feature the two Kays, Sammy Kaye and Kay Kyser. Kay Kyser led a very successful swing orchestra although he didn't play an instrument. Sammy Kaye on the other hand, was a clarinetist and saxophonist but didn't play with his band. Both had unusual attractions: Kyser had "The College of Musical Knowledge" and Sammy had, "So You Want To Lead A Band?".

Frank Miller hosts Big Band Bash, a journey into the vibrant world of swing and the cultural moment it defined. This isn't just a playlist of classics; it's a deep and affectionate look at the music, the personalities, and the stories that made the big band era so unforgettable. Each episode focuses on a specific thread, perhaps unpacking the legacy of a legendary bandleader like Duke Ellington or Glenn Miller, or exploring a particular theme that shaped the sound from the 1930s through the 1950s. You'll hear the iconic recordings, of course, but you'll also get the context behind them-the rivalries, the innovations, and the social history that this music both reflected and inspired. Tune in to this podcast for a richly detailed portrait of an era, where the driving rhythm of a brass section could lift a nation's spirit. Frank's passion is evident in every carefully curated episode, aiming not just to inform but to make your feet tap along to the timeless energy of the great bands. It's a must-listen for music lovers and history buffs alike, offering a fresh appreciation for the artistry that continues to resonate decades later.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Big Band Bash
Podcast Episodes
July 4th and Patriotic Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:54
Hello as we celebrate the Fourth of July this week.I tried to find as many Patriotic songs from the Big Band Era as I could. I hope you will help me celebrate this special holiday as we listen to some patriotic music.
Songs of Summer Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:17
As I am back from vacation, I am going to try and catch up with the podcasts. We continue this week with a program I did a few years ago on the Summer season of the year. I am looking at songs that have the words summer,…
Songs of Summer Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:17
Summer is a special time of year. It means many different things to people all over the world. Today's program is a look at the many different songs of Summer recorded by the Big Bands. I have included the word Summer in…
Steve Lawrence - A Tribute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:46
Hello everyone. We lost a very special vocalist this past March. Steve Lawrence passed away at the age of 88. He had been ill with Alzheimer's Disease for the last few years. I usually play big bands and vocalists associ…
Four Victory Parade of Spotlight Band Remotes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:36
Hello and welcome to another program of Big Band Remotes as we remember the many men and women who took part in the invasion of France called D-Day. Today we feature Les Brown, Bob Chester, Jan Savitt and Gene Krupa. The…
Three Radio Remotes From World War Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:24
In honor of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, I have pulled out a show I produced about ten years ago that has three remotes from World War Two. Two are from the Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands program. Big Bands always s…
Woody Herman - A Birthday Salute Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:54
May 13th is the birthday of Woody Herman and if he were alive today that would have been his 111th birthday. We continue our celebration of his birthday with some of his hits from the 1940's. These are some of my favorit…
Woody Herman - A Birthday Salute Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:13
May 13th is the birthday of Woody Herman and if he were alive today that would have been his 111th birthday. To celebrate this milestone we will be playing some of his early recordings made between the years of 1939 and…
Four Remotes From World War Two Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:35
This week I am continuing with part two of Big Band Remotes from World War 2 with two remotes from the Victory Parade of Spotlight Bands series. At the same time, however, I am having a birthday salute to a favorite band…
Four Remotes From World War Two Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:10
On this week's show I would like to honor a request. A listener asked for some big band remotes that took place during World War 2. Most of the remotes I have during that era are from the Victory Parade of Spotlight Band…