Lucky Millinder

Lucky Millinder was essentially a frontman, an occasional singer who conducted several impressive big bands. Millinder grew up in Chicago, worked as a dancer, and became a bandleader in 1931, using his original name of Lucius Venable, which he soon changed. He freelanced until 1934 when he took over leadership of the Mills Blue Rhythm Band, staying into 1938. In 1940, he formed his own orchestra, which worked at the Savoy Ballroom. Most notable among his sidemen was his star attraction, singer/guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe, pianist Bill Doggett, and, for a brief time in 1942...