George McMurphey (1902-1979) was a the band leader of several orchestras based in Eugene, Oregon. 1926 Article in RG indicated that George became the manager of a local musical booking agency. 1926 - 1928 George McMurphey and the "Kollege Knights was the nation's 10 best dance and show bands. The jazz band was made up of University of Oregon students, many from … [Read more...]
Genre: Big Band
Vern Minkler (1916-1984)
Vern Minkler was an baseball player, musician and music venue owner in Lane County. Background: 1916 - Born in Oklahoma 1932 - Name in RG Vaughn News Notes - attending a social 1937 - Worked at the Vaughn Store 1939 - Lived in Oakridge, Oregon 1938 - Baseball player for the Public Market (center fielder for local team) 1939 - New Manager at Central … [Read more...]
Art Holman
Art Holman (?-1961) Art Holman was a popular musician and band leader in Eugene, Oregon in the mid 1930's to late 1940's. He went to the University of Oregon and was a UO Track Star in the early 1930's. According to Duck track coach Bill Bowerman, Art Holman was “a very fine quarter-miler, a pretty good low hurdler and a very fine musician”. Bill Bowerman was also an … [Read more...]
Archie Parrott (1914-1972)
Archie Parrott and his orchestra played for many dances up and down the Willamette Valley and often traveled with many instruments. In the photo to the right, they are playing in a musical bandstand built of lattice work with a stylish decorative backdrop in Eugene’s Willamette Park in 1936. (Oct 17, 1936 RG article) Archie (standing) came from a Portland family of … [Read more...]
Billy Hamilton
Billy Hamilton Orchestra Music History: The Holland - 1946, 47′, 48′ Elks Country Club - 1954 (Hwy 58, 3 miles east of Goshen) The Greenwood - 56' Billy Hamilton was a well known musician and hand leader in the Eugene/Springfield area. He also gave lessons at Wilson's Music in Eugene. Before moving to Eugene he played with some of the biggest names of the 30's … [Read more...]