Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular Music

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ANTHONY, Ray

(b Raymond Antonini, 20 Jan. '22, Bentleyville PA) Trumpet, leader. Grew up in Cleveland; played '40--42 with Glenn Miller, Jimmy Dorsey, then own band with unusual lineup: one trumpet, one French horn, five saxes and three rhythm. US Navy '42--6, led band in Pacific; own post-war band, conventional good dance band. Eight singles charted '50--54; biggest hit was 'Dragnet', TV cop show theme; Anthony also co-writer of pop novelty 'The Bunny Hop'; single 'Dancing In The Dark' won award as best dance band record c'53. Was married to actress Mamie Van Doren. Extensive tour of colleges '53; TV work with Helen O'Connell, Bob Eberly same year; film appearance in Daddy Long Legs '55; further TV work, reviews, clubs; bought Billy May band '54, hired Sam Donahue to front it. Disbanded, formed combo for club work; band in Las Vegas '80; founded Big Bands 80s to furnish sound to schools and radio. Early airchecks on Hindsight and Circle; seven albums charted on Capitol '52--60 (compilation CD Ray Anthony); meanwhile his proselytizing of the big-band sound has resulted in eleven CDs on Aerospace.