Ray Anthony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ray Anthony
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Anthony in 1950
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Raymond Antonini |
| Born | January 20, 1922 Bentleyville, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Genres | Big band, jazz, swing |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, bandleader |
| Instruments | Trumpet |
| Years active | 1936–1998 |
| Labels | Aero Space, Capitol |
Ray Anthony (born Raymond Antonini; January 20, 1922) is an American musician. He is a bandleader, trumpet player, songwriter, and actor. He is famous for his big band music. Ray Anthony is also the last living member of the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra.
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Ray Anthony's Early Life and Music
Ray Anthony was born into an Italian family in Bentleyville, Pennsylvania. His family later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he learned to play the trumpet. He joined the famous Glenn Miller's band from 1940 to 1941. Glenn Miller led one of the most popular big bands of the swing era.
Anthony also appeared in the Glenn Miller movie Sun Valley Serenade. During World War II, he joined the United States Navy. After the war, he started his own group, The Ray Anthony Orchestra.
Becoming a Popular Bandleader
The Ray Anthony Orchestra became very popular in the early 1950s. They had hit songs like "The Bunny Hop" and "Hokey Pokey". They also played the memorable theme song from the TV show Dragnet.
In 1952, his recording of "At Last" was a big hit, reaching number 2 on the music charts. His 1962 song "Worried Mind" was also played a lot on the radio.
Ray Anthony in Movies and TV
Ray Anthony and his orchestra were often on television. In 1953, they were featured on a summer TV show with singers Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly. From 1953 to 1954, Anthony was the music director for the TV series TV's Top Tunes.
He also appeared as himself with his orchestra in the 1955 movie Daddy Long Legs. This film starred famous actors Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron.
In 1955, Ray Anthony married actress Mamie Van Doren. Their son, Perry Ray, was born in 1956. Anthony started to act more in movies and TV shows. He starred in his own TV show, The Ray Anthony Show, from 1956 to 1957.
He also appeared in several films in the late 1950s. These included The Five Pennies, where he played another musician named Jimmy Dorsey. He also acted in movies with his wife, Mamie Van Doren, such as High School Confidential and Girls Town.
Music After His Acting Career
After his marriage ended in 1961, Ray Anthony's film acting career slowed down. However, he continued his music career. He had another big hit with the jazzy theme from the detective TV series Peter Gunn. This song reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained popular for many years.
Some of Ray Anthony's own songs include "Thunderbird," "The Bunny Hop," "Trumpet Boogie," "Big Band Boogie," and "Mr. Anthony's Boogie." He was known as one of the most modern big band leaders of his time.
Ray Anthony became the last living member of Glenn Miller's band when trombonist Nat Peck passed away in 2015. Ray Anthony celebrated his 100th birthday on January 20, 2022.
Later Career and Achievements
In the early 1980s, Ray Anthony formed a group called Big Band '80s. Other famous musicians like Buddy Rich, Harry James, Les Brown, and Alvino Rey were part of this band.
Ray Anthony has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He continues to be active as a bandleader and musician. His later music explored different styles, including blues and themes from movies and television.
Ray Anthony was also a close friend of the late Hugh Hefner. He appeared in many episodes of the TV show The Girls Next Door.
Images for kids
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Anthony performing in 1947
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See also
In Spanish: Ray Anthony para niños
