Ray McKinley; Orchestra Leader, Singer

Ray McKinley, an orchestra leader, jazz drummer and singer who merged the boogie-woogie beat to the Big Band sound in such hit recordings as “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar,” has died. He was 84.

McKinley, who performed professionally for more than seven decades, died Sunday at his retirement home in Largo, Fla.

His other recording successes with his band in the 1940s included “Celery Stalks at Midnight,” “Scrub Me Mama” and “Down the Road a Piece.”

Born in Ft. Worth, McKinley began playing the drums as a small child. By age 9, he was playing with professional jazz bands in Ft. Worth, and at 15, he went on the road with such bands as Milt Shaw’s Detroiters and Smith Ballew.

In Chicago he signed on with the Dorsey Brothers’ Orchestra and participated in their recordings in the 1930s. When the Dorseys parted, McKinley remained with Jimmy Dorsey and performed with him on the Kraft Music Hall radio show. There McKinley also began to do vocals.

In 1939, McKinley formed a band with Will Bradley and made several successful recordings combining boogie-woogie with the Big Band sound.

Drafted during World War II, McKinley became the drummer for the Army Air Force Band under Maj. Glenn Miller. After Miller’s disappearance over the English Channel in 1944, McKinley took over as director.

After the war, McKinley formed his own band, playing such popular instrumentals as “Hangover Square” and “Sandstorm.” He was also the vocalist on hits such as “Red Silk Stockings” and “You’ve Come a Long Way From St. Louie.”

McKinley began directing the New Glenn Miller Orchestra in 1956 and traveled the globe with the group for 10 years. In the mid-1980s he led two Glenn Miller Orchestra tours of Australia and starred in a war reunion program for the British Broadcasting Co.

McKinley was awarded the Air Force Medal of Commendation in 1986, and last year was honored for his work with the Army Air Force Band.

He celebrated his 80th birthday in 1990 by performing his signature “Anvil Chorus” before 25,000 at the Air Force Museum. He had continued performing annually at Disney World and Disneyland.

McKinley is survived by his wife, the former Gretchen Havemann; his daughter, Jawn McKinley Neville of Minneapolis, a sister and a nephew.