The Modernaires, celebrating over 60 years in show business had their beginnings as a trio in Buffalo, New York, in 1935. Their first engagement was with the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. The members, Hal Dickinson, Chuck Goldstein, and Bill Conway were called Don Juan-Two and Three. Soon after that, they joined the Ozzie Nelson Band, and became known as The Three Wizards of Ozzie. Next came a stint with Fred Waring, where they recruited Ralph Brewster to make it a quartet, and The Modernaires were a reality.
In 1937 they joined Paul Whiteman's musical organization where they were featured on his radio show, and recorded many of the classic songs of that era, a few with Jack Teagarden.
Their biggest break came in 1939 when the legendary Glenn Miller engaged them to record a tune called "It's Make Believe Ballroom Time," a sequel to the original "Make Believe Ballroom," which they had recorded earlier for Martin Block's Big Band Show of the same name, on WNEW New York. Soon after, Glenn Miller made the Modernaires an important part of the most popular big band of all time. Paula Kelly (Mrs. Hal Dickenson) was added to the group, making it a quintet, and for the next few decades they traveled the world many times over making history with the Glenn Miller Band.
When you listen to the Glenn Miller recordings of "Juke Box Saturday Night," "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "Serenade In Blue," "Kalamazoo," Moonlight Cocktails," and countless other hits featuring "The Modernaires," it becomes quite clear that they were way ahead of their time in both harmony and style. They continue to perform many of those same timeless Miller hits, as well as lending their own unique touch to many of today's contemporary tunes.
Though there have been many changes in music and personnel over the years, The Modernaires continue producing "Music In The Miller Mood."
When Paula Kelly retired in 1978, the natural replacement was PAULA KELLY JR., who had sung with The Modernaires from 1967 through 1971. She had previously sung with her two sisters, Julie and Martha in a trio called "The Kelly Sisters," and made several appearances on the Bob Crosby and Dean Martin television shows. Since her return to the group, Paula is very comfortable performing naturally in the lead part with The Modernaires.
Bill Tracy got his start with The Bob Mitchell Boys Choir in the late 40's and 50's where he appeared in such classic films as "The Bishop's Wife," Connecticut Yankee," and "Pale Face" with Bob Hope. After his discharge from the U.S. Army Special Services branch in 1956, he recorded with Dot and Del-Fi Record Labels, and had several songs on the Billboard charts. In 1969, he joined comic Jackie Curtis, and for the next ten years, the comedy team appeared repeatedly on the Johnny Carson, Steve Allen, and Merv Griffin television shows, as well as headlining in all the top night clubs, hotel showrooms, and casinos from New York to Nevada.
Martha Dickenson, along with her sisters Paula and Julie, was born in Grove City, Pennsylvania. She was raised and attended school in the San Fernando Valley, California, and was always involved in church and school choirs. Following her stint with The Kelly Sisters, Martha went on to sing with a jazz group, The Ed Winters Trio, in the late 60's. After the passing of her father, Hal Dickenson, she joined The Modernaires in 1970 and sang, toured and traveled with them for the next few years. Due to family needs, she retired to raise her children, but now is happy to be back singing with The Modernaires.
Alan Copeland has also recently rejoined The Modernaires. He, too, is an alumnus of the Bob Mitchell Boys Choir with which he appeared in several classic films such as "Yankee Doodle Dandy" with James Cagney, and "Angels With Dirty Faces" with Cagney and Pat O'Brien.
Beginning in 1947, he sang with the Jan Garber band until he became a Modernaire in 1948. He remained with The Modernaires until 1956, at which time, he took a leave of absence to appear for three years on "Your Hit Parade." He then rejoined The Modernaires and remained with them through 1964. The next several years found him writing and arranging for the big bands of Count Basie, David Rose and Les Brown. He arranged music for Sarah Vaughn and Dick Haymes, and for many guests on the Henry Mancini television series. Alan still does music charts for Steve and Eydie Gorme, among others. The Modernaires and the public are delighted to have him back in the group.