GLENN MILLER ARCHIVES HONOREE
Larry O’Brien is the cherished longtime former director of the Glenn Miller Orchestra. He is also a leader in preserving our big band legacy and advocate for the Glenn Miller Archives. Therefore, it is a pleasure to announce that Larry is now a member of the Glenn Miller Archives Hall of Fame. He joins Alan Cass, Norman Leyden, Ted Manning. Steven Miller, Bill Suitts, and Paul Tanner in the GMA ring of honor.
ENTHUSIASM AND PROFESSIONALISM
Larry led the Glenn Miller Orchestra from November 1988 to December 2010 and previously from June 1981 to September 1983. Previously, Larry performed with the band, led by the legendary Ray McKinley, during the 1960s. During his tenure as leader, Larry groomed many talented musicians. Moreover, he has brought a level of enthusiasm and professionalism that certainly perpetuated the Glenn Miller legacy. Furthermore, Larry brought the great music to life for audiences around the world. He has reached out to touch new generations of big band enthusiasts around the world, particularly in Japan.
LIFELONG VIRTUOSO
Larry is a native of Jamaica, New York, and a lifelong trombonist. Firstly, his musical training began at John Adams High School. He also studied privately with Broadway trombonist Ed Kolyer. Moreover, at the age of only 15, Larry became first trombonist with the New York City All-City High School Symphony Orchestra and, at age 16, won the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Trombone Scholarship. Then followed military service and New York University, where Larry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with his major in music. Larry remembers, “Tommy Dorsey was my primary motivation force. He was the enfant terrible, the bad one who, when it came to trombone, put everybody away. I started on trombone when I was about 13, and as soon as I got interested, Dorsey became prominent … he was like a religion to me.”
TALENT AND LEADERSHIP
Prior to his first tenure as leader of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Larry was a leading musician in numerous big bands, including Sammy Kaye, Buddy Morrow, Ralph Marterie, Ray Eberle, Billy May, Les Elgart, Boyd Raeburn, Art Mooney, and Lee Castle. In 1962, Larry was the featured soloist and lead trombonist with the Sam Donahue Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and performed TD’s original solos. He then settled in Las Vegas where he performed with many notable entertainers. Furthermore, he also toured with Frank Sinatra, Jr. and appeared many times on the Tonight Show, the Merv Griffin Show, and The Mike Douglas Show. After his first tenure with the Miller band, Larry returned to Las Vegas and entertainer tours.
GLENN MILLER LEGACY
The impact of Larry O’Brien and his able successor Nick Hilscher and the Glenn Miller Orchestra is remarkable. In reflection, he observes that there “is more than one reason for the continuing popularity of the Glenn Miller band. Glenn gave up a lucrative business when he was at his zenith to join the service-when he didn’t have to. He was immensely popular when he entered the service. The band had sold more records in a year than Elvis or the Beatles ever did in a year. Then he went on to form a monster band, play all over Europe for the GIs. Finally, he disappeared mysteriously in a plane that took off from England for France on December 15, 1944. So, I think it’s a combination of all these factors in addition to the great Miller sound itself that keeps his music and his name alive.”
HEARTFELT GESTURE
Consequently, Larry’s devotion to the Glenn Miller Orchestra and its followers everywhere extended to the preservation of the Glenn Miller legacy. Firstly, his love and appreciation for the considerable Miller music library led him to introduce many great scores to appreciative audiences. Likewise, he developed a close working friendship with Alan Cass, curator of the Glenn Miller Archives. Therefore, Larry and his beloved wife Judy decided to gift Larry’s private recordings, papers and memorabilia to the Glenn Miller Archives. And recently, Larry has gifted his trombone to the GMA, which is a profound, and heartfelt gesture. Larry and Judy moved to Kihei, Maui in 2011 for a well-deserved and happy retirement.
Although Larry unfortunately lost Judy last year, he continues an energetic inspiration to us all. In conclusion, it is most appropriate that as a trombonist and leader, Larry joins Glenn Miller alumnae trombonist Paul Tanner and arranger/composer Norman Leyden in the GMA Hall of Fame. No one has done more to extend the Glenn Miller legacy and support his Glenn Miller Archives than has Larry O’Brien. We enthusiastically welcome him to our Hall of Fame and please join us in congratulating Larry. To learn more about the GMA Hall of Fame:
Congratulations Larry. I was privileged to enjoy seeing you in Milwaukee many times. I have never heard a sweeter trombone than yours. I also remember how cordial you were when I thanked you for keeping this wonderful music alive. Thank you again for all you have done and continue to do.
Congratulations Larry! I had the honor of introducing you and the band and interviewing you in Prescott, Arizona back in the 80’s when I was GM and PD at KLKY-AM 1130. Those were great days. Warm wishes!