Ray McKinley

Ray McKinley was one of the most energetic, swinging drummers of the big band era. He started his career in local bands around Fort Worth, Texas, before joining Smith Ballew's outfit in 1932. The nucleus of this group was eventually absorbed into The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. After Tommy walked out in June 1935, Jimmy Dorsey took over leadership. McKinley remained with Jimmy until 1939, when he went into partnership with Will Bradley as co-leader of a band, which sought to take advantage of the growing popularity of boogie-woogie. Billed as 'Will Bradley & His Orchestra featuring Ray McKinley', it sported excellent arrangements by pianist/composer Freddie Slack. However, the venture only lasted a couple of years. Slack's departure to form his own band, and creative disagreements between the two maestros, resulted in both going their own way. McKinley fronted his own group in 1942, which made several recordings for the Capitol label. It was even showcased in a movie, Hit Parade of 194