Big Band Sounds and Doo-Wop Classics in Gulf Shores, Jan. 9-10.

Big Band Sounds and Doo-Wop Classics in Gulf Shores, Jan. 9-10.

The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra and The Diamonds hit the Erie Meyer Civic Center on Jan. 9-10, presenting "Jukebox Junction” featuring four decades of incredible music.

The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra led by Bill Tole will bring back fond memories of the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Jimmy and his brother, Tommy, first started out as the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra back in the ‘30s which included drummer Ray McKinley, trombonist Glenn Miller and singer Bob Crosby. However, the brothers split up over creative differences.

Jimmy went on to find his own success with hits like "Amapola" and "Green Eyes" featuring Helen O'Connell. The band jumped to the top of the charts and a series of motion pictures followed, establishing him firmly on top.

During the early '50sJimmy was still a successful name in the business.  Even with all of his success, he joined forces with his brother Tommy in 1953 to become a legendary band.

With the untimely death of Tommy in 1956, Jimmy once again was left to carry on, but only for a short time as his own health was failing. In 1957, he left us with his last and greatest hit "So Rare" which topped the nation's popularity charts.

Bill Tole has been leading the Orchestra for almost a decade. After four years of college he auditioned for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and went on tour with the band.   He later joined the Air Force dance band "Airmen of Note," a continuation of the Army Air Force "Glenn Miller Orchestra."  Following military service he quickly became a much-sought-after musician.  Bill moved to New York City in the mid '60's and played for many of the top Broadway shows, worked club dates and was busy doing recordings in the studios. Some of the big band leaders he has played with include; Ray Anthony, Tex Beneke, Louis Bellson, Les Brown, Bob Crosby, Harry James, Quincy Jones, Nelson Riddle and Si Zentner. Singers the band has backed up include Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, Tony Martin and many more.

The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra has continued successfully for decades and is still in great demand all over the world.

Also performing on stage will be The Diamonds. In 1957, they released an instant million-selling hit called "Little Darlin.’" The song continues to sell worldwide and has been dubbed “the National Anthem of Rock and Roll.” To date it has sold approximately 20 million copies. The Diamonds' many accomplishments over the years include: 

• 33 appearances on American Bandstand 
• Induction in the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame
• Induction in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame 
• 16 hit records 
• 3 Certified Gold Records 
• Soundtrack of “American Graffiti" 
• Soundtrack of “Happy Days” 

It is not often you get to see original band members perform and audience members will enjoy seeing the group again--a little older but with the same zeal and enthusiasm marking a great time in history. As one reviewer wrote, “The Diamonds were wonderful. Their performance brought the crowd to their feet; no one wanted to leave when their performance was over.”

Tickets are $28 and can be purchased:

Online by visiting www.gulfshoresal.gov

By Phone - Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, by calling 251-968-1172.

In Person - Monday through Friday 10am to 3pm, by stopping by the Erie Meyer Civic Center Box Officelocated at 1930 W. 2nd St., Gulf Shores, AL

Mail Order - by clipping and mailing the order form attached to the brochures or by visiting www.gulfshoresal.gov and downloading the order form.

For more information about the 2012 Entertainment Series, contact the City of Gulf Shores Special Events Division at 251-968-1172 or visit our website at www.gulfshoresal.gov