Sam Donahue started his first band in the mid 1930s and up until his death
of cancer in March of 1974 had been a remarkably consistent member of the big band swing fraternity. The first band that he put together in Detroit was later taken over by Sonny Burke leaving him free to join the more popular Gene Krupa Band, where he stayed for two years. In 1940 he worked with both the Harry James and Benny Goodman Bands once again leaving to form his own band. During WWII he joined the navy and worked in Artie Shaws Band later successfully taking over leadership of the band when Shaw left. When he left active service he formed yet another band backing Jo Stafford at the Paramount Theatre in 1948. Sam was called back to active service in 1951 this time for the Korean War.
When released he went to work for Tommy Dorsey Leaving him in 1953 for a new venture of his own. Sam Donahue was an accomplished bandleader, multi instrumentalist, and a stalwart of the Big Band Era. All of his recordings are worth a listen none more so than this... enjoy.
Probable personnel Clyde Reasinger, Larry Brooks, Ernie Bernhardt
(trumpets) Ralph Craig, Nick Cavas Charlie Givens (trombones) Dick Clay, Earl Griffiths, Pat Chartrand, Murray Romanoff, Lou Carrafiello (saxophones) Adelaide Robbins (piano) Bill Turner (bass) Buddy stayten or Ronnie Bedford (drums) All tenor Sax solos by Sam Donahue who also plays trumpet and valve trombone on all tracks.