JERRY GRAY

Jerry Gray was a violinist, arranger, composer, and leader of swing dance orchestras (big bands) bearing his name. He is widely known for his work with popular music during the Swing era. His name is inextricably linked to two of the most famous bandleaders of the time, Artie Shaw and Glenn Miller. Gray, along with Bill Finegan, wrote many of Miller's arrangements during the late ‘30s and early ‘40s including "Pennsylvania 6-5000" and "A String of Pearls." 

     In the latter part of his career, Gray's orchestra served as the house band at the Venetian Room of the Fairmont Hotel, Dallas, where I spent a lot of time and which is where I had the pleasure of hearing his swingin' shows many times. I was -- and still am -- a big Big Band fan, and shaking the hand of a man who shook hands with Artie and Glenn was quite an honor.