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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZMcKINLEY, Ray(b 18 June 1910, Fort Worth TX; d 7 May 1995, Largo FL) Drummer, leader, singer. Worked with Smith Ballew '32, Dorsey Brothers '34, staying with Jimmy until '39. Partners with Will Bradley in popular big band '39-43 (see Bradley's entry); then formed his own band with a tuba playing with the brass for a rich sound, recorded for Capitol; popular arrangements included 'Big Boy' (vocal by Imogene Lynn), 'Hard Hearted Hannah' (McKinley vocal). Among the talented teenagers he spotted were drummer Shelly Manne, fixing him up with his first job in Bobby Byrne's band '30s, and trumpeter Dick Cathcart a few years later. McKinley joined the USAAF and was Glenn Miller's first choice as drummer for his wartime band (the best drummer Miller ever had), leading or co-leading the band (with Jerry Gray) after Miller's death until late '45; he was also a member of the band's small group, the Swing Shift, with Peanuts Hucko, Mel Powell and Trigger Alpert. He led his own band '46-50 with arrangements by Eddie Sauter and Deane Kincaide, employing talent like Hucko and Pete Candoli; hits on Majestic included 'Red Silk Stockings And Green Perfume' with McKinley vocal; on RCA 'You Came A Long Way (From St Louis)', with small group and ensemble vocal. He never got much credit for leading an advanced band, Sauter's 'Idiot's Delight', 'Borderline' and others being highlights of the era. CD compilations Borderline on Savoy (from Denon), Class Of '49 on Hep, Jiminy Crickets on Aerospace. He worked as a solo vocalist, occasionally forming bands for engagements, and led a Miller ghost band '56-66 for the estate, succeeded by Buddy DeFranco; he continued occasionally leading into the '70s. |