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Ray McKinley was one of the most energetic, swinging drummers of the big band era. He started his career in local bands around Fort Worth, Texas, before joining Smith Ballew's outfit in 1932. The nucleus of this group was eventually absorbed into The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. After Tommy walked out in June 1935, Jimmy Dorsey took over leadership. McKinley remained with Jimmy until 1939, when he went into partnership with Will Bradley as co-leader of a band, which sought to take advantage of the growing popularity of boogie-woogie. Billed as 'Will Bradley & His Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley', it sported excellent arrangements by pianist/composer Freddie Slack. However, the venture only lasted a couple of years. Slack's departure to form his own band, and creative disagreements between the two maestros, resulted in both going their own way.
McKinley fronted his own group in 1942, which made several recordings for the Capitol label. It was even showcased in a movie, Hit Parade of 1943 (1943), along with the Count Basie Orchestra. Alas, this band was also short-lived, as McKinley was soon drafted into the U.S. Army Air Force. Having approached Captain Glenn Miller (an old friend since their time with Smith Ballew), he was then taken on as drummer of the Miller band, serving in Europe. After Miller disappeared during that fateful flight across the English Channel in December 1944, McKinley took over leadership of the band until November the following year. In 1946, he organised another outfit, which included two excellent arrangers in Eddie Sauter and Deane Kincaide, as well as guitarist Mundell Lowe and clarinettists Peanuts Hucko and Mahlon Clark. The band recorded for Majestic and RCA Victor and turned out several good swinging instrumentals, like "Hangover Square", "Tumblebug" and "Sandstorm". Their biggest hit was "You've Come a Long Way from St. Louis". Ray himself doubled up on vocals for many of the novelty numbers.
McKinley disbanded the group in 1952 to pursue a solo career in radio and TV (including a spell as a disc jockey). In 1956, he was approached by Glenn Miller's widow to replace the departing Tex Beneke as front man for Glenn Miller and His Orchestra. He presided over the group until 1966, keeping the 'Miller Sound' alive, touring the U.S., Europe and Japan. He re-emerged from semi-retirement in the late 60's, leading a smaller group at the Riverboat in New York and continuing to appear at Miller reunions. McKinley was noted for his erudite manner and dry wit, which made him a popular guest on TV and radio chat shows.
