GLORIA VAN ....last of the big Band Singers

In the big-band era of the 40's and 50's, singer Gloria Van hit the airways and stages with the likes of Gene Krupa, Hoagy Carmichael, and Hal McIntyre. She was a regular singer on the NBC nationally-televised "Wayne King Show". She has one of the smoothest dance-band voices in the business.

Her career performances over the years also included numerous other well-known groups like the Art Van Dam Quintet and the Johnny "Scat" Davis band. Hoagy Carmichael personally chose Gloria to sing his great standard "Star Dust" before 25,000 fans at Soldier's Field, Chicago. She made guest appearances with Bob Hope on the "Tonight Show", "Chance of A Lifetime" and dozens of radio shows including Don McNeil's popular "Breakfast Show."

Gloria's husband, Lynn, was a top musician and played in the Glen Miller Band for many years. He passed away in 1993 and shortly after, Gloria came out of retirement and resumed singing with area Big Bands, including the Yorkville American Legion Big Band. Since then, she has been entertaining for enthusiastic Yorkville American Legion Big Band audiences and making hundreds of other appearances throughout the Northwest suburbs.

Gloria at rehearsal

Gloria entertains at the Yorkville American Legion Big Band dance

Gloria Van with WWII reenactors, Chuck and Lydia Roberts

Gloria Van 1920-2002

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