THE ONLY ALL REQUEST BIG BAND RADIO SHOW IN THE NATION!!!

THE CELEBRITY GUESTS

All celebrity interviews mentioned below have been professionally

produced detailing their life stories by the artists themselves with

all of their hit records featured throughout. They were all recorded on

compact disc, and selected sound bites of these programs may be made 

Les Brown and Doris Day

‘Les Browns 85th Birthday’ ran a full 80 minutes commercial free. It featured Les commenting on his 63 year career and showcased all of his hit records.

Also featured on the program was Steve Allen who had worked with Les for The Steve Allen Show, circa 1962. Also on the show was Butch Stone, a vocalist and musician for the band who joined Les in 1941, and is still with the band today. 

And of course Doris Day, who loved talking about the road trips and her records with the band that included ‘Sentimental Journey’ and ‘My Dreams Are Getting Better All The Time,’ to name a few.

"Les is a very sweet man whom I love very much, he is like a father to me. I am very glad to be doing this for him," said Day on the program. She also talked extensively about her movie career that followed.

March 11, 1997

‘Doris Day’ Strike Up The Band!

She very seldom gives interviews, but Doris Day made an exception when she was contacted by Chris Valenti, the DJ who plays Big Band music from the past on Long Island’s WHPC 90.3 FM. Valenti held out a musical carrot to get Day to sit still for a talk.

He’s doing a special program on Les Brown at 10 Saturday night, the day after the famed bandleaders 85th birthday. Day’s first singing job was with Les Brown and his Band of Renown in the 40’s, and the songs she recorded with Brown made her a major star. "Miss Day said it was such a wonderful time in her life and she wouldn’t miss talking about Les," says Valenti.

The great Artie Shaw made a visit. He spent about an hour reliving his times as ‘The King of The Clarinet’ and discussed the history of all  hit records, 'Begin The Beguine" and 'Stardust' to name a few.

JO STAFFORD

FRANCIS LANGFORD

                           With Don Cornell at The Concord March 1992

My mom with Don backstage at The Westbury Music Fair 5/19/01

The great and powerful vocalist, hailing from the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, Don Cornell paid a visit. Don is still knocking them dead to standing ovations singing his great hits, ‘It Isn’t Fair’ and ‘I’m Yours’ to name a few. Don was recently inducted into The Big Band Hall Of Fame. You can

visit Don by going to Don Cornell.com and saying hello! Tell him Chris Valenti sent you! 

JERRY VALE

My mom with Jerry Vale Backstage at The Westbury Music Fair 5/19/01

Jerry Vale made a visit to the show and enlightened us on how he got his start that eventually allowed him to sell tens of millions of records worldwide. Jerry has worked with everyone from Harry James to Keely Smith. For more info about Mr. Vale you can visit his website at JerryVale.com

Eddie Bracken in 1945 Eddie Bracken Bio

With Eddie Bracken (age 87) on May 16th 2002

ROSEMARY CLOONEY

CLICK HERE FOR BIO

Rosemary Clooney paid a visit and covered everything from her early days with The Tony Pastor Orchestra to her movies and solo career.

BEA WAIN

Bea Wain, who was voted 'Most Popular Female Vocalist of 1938,' stopped by and shared many stories about her days with the Larry Clinton Orchestra, and all of her hit records which include ‘My Reverie,’ ‘Deep Purple’ and 'You Go To My Head,' to name a few. Bea is a founding member of a very worthwhile non profit organization which is dedicated to helping professional singers get their feet back on the ground. They just recently acquired the building where these retired vocalists can retire. Unlike musicians and actors who have their unions to watch out and protect them, the singers and vocalists of the day never had such a luxury, and many were shortchanged. If you would like more information and/or would like to write Bea, send correspondence to: Bea Wain, c/o The Society of Singers, 8242 West 3rd St. Suite 250, Los Angelas, CA 90048. 

   HELEN FORREST

Helen Forrest spoke highly of Harry James. Unfortunately this turned out to be her last interview before her passing. You can hear this interview or read the transcript by CLICKING HERE or by clicking the link at the bottom of the page.

Orrin Tucker filled us in on how his mega hit 'Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny' made him a star and brought him to The White House to perform for FDR. He also spoke about his famous female vocalist Wee Bonnie Baker who sang lead on the famous recording. Orrin made a return visit to celebrate his 90th birthday in March, 2001.

FRANKIE CARLE

The great pianist bandleader Frankie Carle spoke of his hit records which include the classic 'Oh What It Seemed To Be' sang by his daughter Marjorie Hughes. He also spoke of his theme song 'Sunrise Serenade' which he had written in 1933 and didn't become a hit until later on when Glenn Miller recorded it. Frankie mentioned that his first paying job was in 1915 playing the piano in a silent movie theater and also remembered playing for the boys coming home from WWI in 1918. Frankie was 94 years old when he visited the show and passed away at the age of 98 in March, 2001. 

CAB CALLOWAY, JR.

Cab Calloway, Jr. at the world famous Birdland

That's Right! Cab's grandson! And if you've never seen the Great Cab

Calloway do his thing in person, make sure you catch Cab Calloway, Jr.!

He's got the moves, he's got the voice and the suit! Cab would be proud.

Cab Jr. was very well received as he enthralled us with stories about his

famous Grandad. I then went to see him at the famous Birdland in Manhattan 

where I took the above picture. He put on a great show!

To find out where he will be next, you can email him 

right here:  mailto:callowaykid@msn.com

OTHER BANDLEADERS WHO HAVE VISITED THE 

PROGRAM WERE RAY ANTHONY AND BILLY MAY.

CHRIS SIGNING HIS CD IN LONDON IN 1998

New York Daily News Article

February 14, 1998 By David Hinckley

HARRY JAMES REUNION:

Over the past two years, Chris Valenti of WHPC (90.3 FM) has talked with everyone who had sang with the Harry James band. Tonight at 10, he plays the music and the interviews with Helen Forrest, Kitty Kallen, Connie Haines, Buddy DiVito, Buddy Moreno and Marion Morgan. He also plays excerpts from a 1981 interview he had with Harry James, recorded shortly before the bandleader died.

Every guest previously mentioned had given their own personalized pre-recorded announcements, reminding the listeners what program they are listening to. They are heard regularly, and will always be a special part of the program.

Although not Big Band related, by request, Chris's interview with Paul McCartney is now included on this page for your enjoyment and listening pleasure. Just click his face to start the interview. Great for insomniacs!

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