Tex Beneke
b. Gordon Beneke, 12 February 1914, Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Starting out on soprano saxophone, Beneke switched to tenor, working with various bands in the southwest. In 1938 he joined Glenn Miller where, in addition to featured tenor, he was also a regular vocalist. Tex sang with engaging charm if limited ability on such classic hits as I Gotta Gal In Kalamazoo and Chattanooga Choo Choo. Strongly influenced by the driving, big-toned tradition of Texas tenors, Beneke's playing added a jazz flavour to many Miller dance hits, including In The Mood and String Of Pearls, on which he duetted with fellow tenor Al Klink. At the outbreak of World War II, Beneke worked with Miller's singing group, the Modernaires, then joined the US Navy where he played in a navy band. After the war, following Miller's death, Beneke was invited by Miller's executors to direct the Miller orchestra. In 1950 he relinquished this role but continued to lead his own band which, not surprisingly, played Miller-style music. He continued playing and leading bands into the late '80s, bringing unfailing good humour and enthusiasm to a somewhat overexposed corner of popular music.