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Leo Walker retired in 1986 and the presidential baton was passed to trombonist Milt Bernhart, stalwart of the Stan Kenton band and
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The glittering 1987 Big Band Reunion, "A Tribute to Glenn Miller," featured Tex Beneke and his Orchestra, along with the Modernaires and Paula Kelly, Jr. Radio personality Chuck Cecil ("The Swingin' Years") served as emcee and the Miller salute packed the Empire Ballroom to capacity.
In 1988, Milt Bernhart put together "A Tribute to Stan Kenton," featuring the
University of Southern California Stage Band playing the Kenton book. Bernhart now assumed emcee duties and introduced an array of Kenton veterans, including June Christy, Bob Cooper, Maynard Ferguson, Anita O'Day, Shorty Rogers and Pete Rugolo. From then until his final show in 2003, Bernhart produced and hosted every Reunion, helping to grow the event into what is probably the largest annual gathering anywhere of Swing Era alumni and enthusiasts.
The Big Band Academy added a new chapter in 1997 with the establishment of the Golden Bandstand Award, honoring the life achievements of the most
distinguished names in big band history. The initial class of Golden Bandstand recipients was made up of bandleaders Les Brown and Frankie Carle, singers Helen Forrest, Peggy Lee, Martha Tilton and Bea Wain, sidemen Ernani Bernardi and Abe Most, broadcaster Steve Allen and arranger Van Alexander. All were present at the event, and Carle and Wain enhanced the atmosphere by performing, in addition to accepting their awards.
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The Big Band Academy added a new chapter in 1997 with the establishment of the Golden Bandstand Award, honoring the life achievements of the most
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Five years later, the 2002 Reunion celebrated the 60th anniversary of Capitol Records. The
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Since Milt Bernhart's passing in January 2004, his son David Bernhart has
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In its role as a non-profit organization, the BBAA distributes all monies remaining after expenses to groups and individuals involved in the advancement of big bands.
The Big Band Academy of America can be reached at: