the BBAA was the brainchild of noted big band author Leo Walker, who served as the organization's first president. During the Big Band Academy's initial decade, Walker hosted a "Big Band Reunion" every year at a modest-sized Toluca Lake (Calif.) restaurant. Though the dais routinely included big band legends such as Russ Morgan, Alvino Rey and Lawrence Welk, no band was present.Leo Walker retired in 1986 and the presidential baton was passed to trombonist Milt Bernhart, stalwart of the Stan Kenton band and
soloist on Frank Sinatra's original recording of "I've Got You Under My Skin." At the urging of Reunion regular Steve Allen, Bernhart upgraded the format of the event the following year by adding a live big band to the program and moving the Reunion's location to the Empire Ballroom of the Sportsmen's Lodge in Studio City.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.
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. Five years later, the 2002 Reunion celebrated the 60th anniversary of Capitol Records. The
entire Capitol story was reprised through live performances of the label's greatest big band hits. Among the standouts were 93-year-old guitar legend Alvino Rey's rendition of "Cumana" and the vocals of Marilyn King, youngest of the King Sisters.Since Milt Bernhart's passing in January 2004, his son David Bernhart has
served as president of the Big Band Academy and emcee of the Reunions, working in concert with a board of directors that features such notables as Van Alexander and Pat Longo, the latter the perennial leader of the Blue Ribbon Band at each event. Recipients of the Golden Bandstand Award during this period have been a diverse group, including trumpeter Snooky Young, drummer Louie Bellson, vocalist Jo Stafford and comic/singer Stan Freberg.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:
