Russ Morgan

Born: April 29, 1904

Russell Morgan (born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on April 29, 1904) was an American swing-era big band leader, arranger, composer and trombonist best known for his radio show Music in the Morgan Manner and his composition "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", which he co-wrote with Larry Stock and James Cavanaugh in 1944. Morgan's musical career began in the 1920s, when his skills as an arranger brought him work with some of the era's top bands, including those of Fletcher Henderson and Paul Whiteman, then known as the "King of Jazz". He went on to lead a succesful "sweet" band himself and become a popular figure on radio in the 1930s and 1940s

Lew Stone

Born: May 28, 1898

Lew Stone was a prominent British bandleader, pianist, arranger and composer during the 1930s and 1940s, known for writing sophisticated arrangements for various dance bands (including his own) and popularising American jazz rhythms in Britain's own swing era. Although his name isn't as widely known today as that of, say, Jack Hylton's, some of his songs are still popular today, partly thanks to the television series Pennies from Heaven.

Billy Cotton

Born: May 6, 1899

Billy Cotton (born William Edward Cotton on May 6, 1899) was an English bandleader and entertainer, best known for his popular BBC radio and television show the Billy Cotton Band Show, which ran from 1949 to 1968. Beginning his career as a drummer, Cotton formed his first orchestra in 1924. With his trademark catchphrase "Wakey! Wakey!" and a lively mix of jazz music and comedy, Cotton became a household name in British entertainment.

Carroll Gibbons

Born: January 4, 1903

Carroll Gibbons was a distinguished American-born pianist, bandleader and composer who became a defining figure in British Dance Band music during the 1930s and '40s. Best known for his elegant work with the Savoy Hotel Orpheans, Gibbons brought a refined jazz sensibility to popular music, blending American influences with a uniquely British charm. His smooth arrangements, stylish piano playing, and keen ear for melody earned him acclaim both in the UK and abroad. Gibbons also composed several enduring tunes, including “A Garden in the Rain”, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of light jazz and popular standards.

Tommy Tucker

Born: May 18, 1903

Tommy Tucker was a popular swing-era bandleader, pianist, accordionist and trombonist who led one of the most refined "sweet" bands of the 1930s and '40s. Born Gerald L. Duppler on May 18, 1903, in Souris, North Dakota, Tucker adopted his stage name during his rise in the Midwest dance band circuit. His orchestra gained national attention through novelty recordings for labels such as Columbia and Vocalion, and also by maintaining a polished, danceable style that contrasted with the hotter swing bands of the time. Though not a jazz innovator in the same way as Duke Ellington or Earl "Fatha" Hines, Tucker’s ensemble featured skilled sidemen and occasional jazz soloists, and his music remains a perfect example of the elegant ballroom tradition

Jack Hylton

Born: July 2, 1892

Jack Hylton was a British pianist, bandleader, composer and impresario who played a key role in the development of popular dance music in the early 20th century. Born in Great Lever, Lancashire, on July 2, 1892, he began his career as a pianist and singer in his father's pub before working as a musical director for theater productions during World War I. In the 1920s and 1930s, Hylton's orchestra gained international recognition, recording extensively and touring across Europe. Hylton also introduced jazz and blues influences into British dance music, becoming known as the "British King of Jazz" and helping to popularize the genres in the UK

Gemma Sherry

Subtle, precise, engrossing and delightful, accomplished Australian vocalist, Gemma Sherry pours her heart and soul into her music. Her interpretation of jazz standards is unique and refreshing. Since moving to the U.S. eight years ago to study music in NYC, this soul-jazz singer, songwriter & saxophonist has released a number of house music records on various European record labels and has now released 4 studio albums. Her debut album was "Songs I Love" which she recorded in England with the exquisite pianist Billy Woodman. This was followed by the released of her short play EP "Sings Bossa Nova" which got her a following in Brazil

Kalya Ramu

Born: August 14, 1993

Kalya Ramu, Canadian jazz vocalist, composer, educator, and visual artist, has carved out a distinctive presence within Toronto's vibrant jazz community. From the age of 12, Kalya found herself immersed in the world of jazz, frequenting jam sessions and touring with community big bands. Her musical journey led her to study Jazz Performance at the esteemed Humber College in Toronto. A storyteller at heart, Kalya has a remarkable ability to reinvent classic jazz tunes while infusing her original compositions with fresh, evocative narratives.

In 2019, Kalya released her debut full-length album, "Living in a Dream", generously supported by FACTOR. Shortly after this release, the title track was featured on the soundtrack of CBC show "Frankie Drake Mysteries." Her second album, "Duo" (2021), is a close collaboration with pianist and composer Ewen Farncombe. The five-track album of original material highlights their artistic synergy. In the past year Kalya released two singles with Brazilian guitarist André Valério. The first, "Algo Contigo” (2023), features the composition of Argentinian songwriter Chico Novarro, and the second “Hold Me Close” (2024) is an original composition by Ramu and Valério and features the playing of flutist Rob Christian. Currently Kalya has been working on a brand new album called Trio, coming out on November 29 2024.