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

Early years

Gray was born to Lurdie P. and Agnes (Gray) Knoblauch in Roanoke, Illinois, United States. He had an older sister. His widowed mother married George H. DeWilde, a coal miner, and moved her family to Roanoke. Gray graduated from Roanoke High School, in 1917 where he played basketball and acquired his nickname, "Spike".

Career

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. From 1924 to 1929, he played with several orchestras in Detroit, Michigan. <br>

Never in a Million Years (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1937)<br>

You Go to My Head (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1938)<br>

I Cried for You (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1939)<br>

This Night (Will Be My Souvenir) (vocal Clyde Burke) (1939)<br>

Heaven Can Wait (vocal Clyde Burke) (1939)<br>

Sunrise Serenade (Frankie Carle on piano) (1939)<br>

Tears from My Inkwell (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1939)<br>

A Lover's Lullaby (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1940)<br>

No Name Jive (vocal by Kenny Sargent) (1940)<br>

One Dozen Roses (vocal by Pee Wee Hunt) (1942)<br>

Don't Get Around Much Anymore (vocal by Kenny Sargent & LeBrun Sisters) (1943)<br>

My Heart Tells Me (vocal Eugenie Baird) 1943<br>

My Shining Hour (vocal Eugenie Baird) 1943<br>

Gotta Be This or That (vocal Fats Daniels) (1945)

Personal life and death

Gray and his wife had one son.

References

  • Glen Gray biography at Swingmusic.net
  • The Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra records, 1915-1979 are located in the Northeastern University Libraries, Archives and Special Collections Department, Boston, MA.
  • Glen Gray recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings