Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra

Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra was one of the most popular and influential swing bands of the 1930s and early 1940s. Originally formed as the Orange Blossoms in the late 1920s, the group changed its name after taking up residence at the Casa Loma Hotel in Toronto. Glen Gray, the band’s saxophonist, eventually emerged as the band's leader and frontman, and under his direction, the Casa Loma Orchestra became known for its tight, disciplined arrangements and sophisticated sound—setting a standard in the pre-Big Band era and helping to lay the groundwork for the swing movement.

The ensemble scored a string of hits during the 1930s and remained a crowd favorite both on record and on the radio. Unlike many bands of the time that operated more like companies owned by a single individual, the Casa Loma Orchestra was structured more like a corporation in its early years, with members holding shares in the band. With Gray at the helm, the group later enjoyed renewed recognition in the 1950s through a series of nostalgia-driven recordings that celebrated the swing era's golden age. Their legacy is marked by precision, elegance, and a timeless swing sensibility.

Genres

Big Band

Swing Music

Latest Release

This Night, My Souvenir

Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra

Album - 9 Tracks - Released November 22, 2024