The Joe Loss Orchestra

Appearing:

Big Band Festival - Monday 25th June 2012

Big Band Ball - Sunday 9th September 2012

The Joe Loss Orchestra Joe Loss was the undisputed doyen of big bandleaders. His name was synonymous with the very best in dance band music. Loved and respected by his public and profession alike, he had a style and musical policy that kept him at the very top of the big band world for 60 years.

Joe was born Joshua Alexander Loss on June 22nd 1909. He was trained as a classical violinist and gave his first solo concert at the age of 10.

In 1930 when Joe was just 20, he became the youngest bandleader with a conducting style that he was to make his own. His first band was called The Harlem Band.

By 1937, Joe had become the biggest name in the world of big-band music. Dame Vera Lynn gave her first broadcast with the band in 1938 and when Joe married Mildred Blanch Rose, the crowd scenes in central London were akin to Beatlemania of the 1960's.

Joe Loss's first signature tune in the early 30's was "Let's Dance at the Make Believe Ballroom" and in 1938 this was changed to the now world renowned "In the Mood". Joe Loss became a regular on BBC TV's "Come Dancing" (the BBC's 50's and 60's version of "Strictly Come Dancing").

Joe was awarded the LVO, the OBE and HM the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.

In 1989, Joe became too ill to travel and in 1990 Joe entrusted the leadership to Todd Miller, who has led the Orchestra through to the present day.

Todd Miller joined the Orchestra as vocalist in 1972 having being recommended to Joe by many people. For 19 years, Todd worked under the guidance and friendship of Joe, and enjoyed a very special place in Joe's heart. Now having been with the Orchestra for 38 years, Todd's career has included 14 World tours on the QE2, 2 Royal Weddings, many Royal Command Performances and Christmas parties for the Royal Family, and as leader, is proud to have been presented to Her Majesty the Queen on numerous occasions. Todd has performed on all the major TV channels and radio stations and all the main venues throughout the UK. In 2010 the Joe Loss Orchestra will be celebrating it's 80th Anniversary. The Orchestra is now Britain's longest running live entertainment unit of all time. Todd has led the Orchestra for the past 20 years, best appreciated live on stage in direct contact with the audience, performing the best in live entertainment for all generations.