Glenn Gray Knoblauch (June 7, 1900 – August 23, 1963), [1] known professionally as Glen Gray, was an American jazz saxophonist and leader of the Casa Loma Orchestra. [2]

The band was led for the first few years by violinist Hank Biagini, although the eventual leader, saxophonist Glen Gray (1900 – 1963) was from the beginning "first among equals."

Glen Gray. Soundtrack: Angel Heart. Bandleader Glen Gray started out as a sax player in the 1920s in a band called "The Orange Blossoms". It soon changed its name to the Casa Loma Orchestra in 1927, generally considered to be the first swing band of the era.

Explore Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra's biography, discography, and artist credits. Shop rare vinyl records, top albums, and more on Discogs.

Find the location of Glen Gray's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, read a biography, see related stars and browse a map of important places in their career.

Glen Gray - Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra / Glen Gray Full Album (Full playlist) Here are the songs from Glen Gray's Casa Loma Orchestra: Glen Gray And Cas...

American jazz saxophonist and leader of the Casa Loma Orchestra. Born June 7, 1900, Roanoke, Illinois, USA. Died August 23, 1963 in Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA. Gray was nicknamed "Spike". Gray attended the American Conservatory of Music in 1921 but left during his first year to go to Peoria, Illinois, to play with George Haschert's orchestra.

A fresh biographical sketch of Glen Gray by Music Librarian Christopher Popa. The big bands are back in a new and exciting way!

Glen Gray Knoblauch, better known as Glen Gray, was a jazz saxophonist and leader of the Casa Loma Orchestra. Gray was born to Lurdie P. and Agnes Knoblauch in Metamora, Illinois. His father was a lifelong railroad worker who died when Glen was two years of age.

Originally named the Orange Blossoms, the group first formed in Detroit during the mid-1920s as an offshoot of Jean Goldkette’s orchestra. Gray, then known as Spike Knoblauch, joined the group in the winter of 1925-26 as a sax player. Henry Biagini was leader.