Stars for Defense is a series of albums recorded for the United States Federal Civil Defense Administration from 1956 to 1967. Radio stations were instructed to broadcast the content to help Americans prepare for possible disasters, like a nuclear attack. They contained both music and interviews.
The total running time was approximately 15 minutes per side and only on a specific date was it to be played. M.C. Jay Jackson would introduces the week's musical guests (one week per side). The background music was supplied by Ray Bloch and his orchestra.
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Frank Wellington Wess was an American jazz saxophonist and flutist. In addition to his extensive solo work, Wess is remembered for his time in Count Basie's band from the early 1950s into the 1960s. Critic Scott Yanow described him as one of the premier proteges of Lester Young, and a leading jazz flutist of his era—using the latter instrument to bring new colors to Basie's music.
Edward F. Davis, known professionally as Eddie "Lockjaw" Davis, was an American jazz tenor saxophonist. It is unclear how he acquired the moniker "Lockjaw" : it is either said that it came from the title of a tune or from his way of biting hard on the saxophone mouthpiece. Other theories have been put forward.
Harry "Sweets" Edison was an American jazz trumpeter and a member of the Count Basie Orchestra. His most important contribution was as a Hollywood studio musician, whose muted trumpet can be heard backing singers, most notably Frank Sinatra.
The Four Lads were a Canadian male singing quartet which, in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, earned many gold singles and albums. Its million-selling signature tunes include "Moments to Remember"; "Standing on the Corner"; "No, Not Much"; "Who Needs You?" and "Istanbul".
Daniel Joseph Anthony Meehan, professionally known as Tony Meehan, was a founder member of the British group the Drifters, with Jet Harris, Hank Marvin and Bruce Welch, which would evolve into the Shadows. He played drums on early Cliff Richard and the Shadows hits and on early Shadows instrumentals.
"So in Love" is a popular song, written by Cole Porter, from his musical Kiss Me, Kate, which was based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. It was sung in the show by Patricia Morison, reprised by Alfred Drake, and further popularized by Patti Page in 1949.
James Mundell Lowe was an American jazz guitarist who worked often in radio, television, and film, and as a session musician.
"Come Rain or Come Shine" is a popular music song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. It was written for the Broadway musical St. Louis Woman, which opened on March 30, 1946, and closed after 113 performances.
Anthony C. Mottola was an American jazz guitarist who released dozens of solo albums. Mottola was born in Kearny, New Jersey and died in Denville.
James "Osie" Johnson was a jazz drummer, arranger and singer.
George Duvivier was an American jazz double-bassist.
Samuel Jones was an American jazz double bassist, cellist, and composer.
Jack Sperling was an American jazz drummer who performed as a sideman in big bands and as a studio musician for pop and jazz acts, movies, and television.
Frank Rehak was an American jazz trombonist. He began on piano and cello before switching to trombone. He worked with Gil Evans and Miles Davis. He also appeared with Davis on the broadcast "The Sounds of Miles Davis."
Samuel David Bailey is an American jazz drummer.
Samuel Aaron Bell was an American jazz double-bassist.
Joseph Barry Galbraith was an American jazz guitarist.
Everett Barksdale was an American jazz guitarist and session musician.
The following is the discography for big band and traditional pop arranger Nelson Riddle (1921–1985).
The discography for American jazz singer Sammy Davis Jr.