Many of you have been asking about Dale’s back ground & professional experiences. Questions like: “Who has Dale worked with?” “What bands has he played with?” Who are some of the known personalities he has worked with?” 

Well, Dale isn’t one to ‘drop names’ or talk about who he has worked with unless he is talking about a specify event.  He really feels – “It’s not what you did yesterday, but what can you do today!”  

So-o-o, I decided I would interview him & list some of the Bands & personalities with whom he has performed. 

 I’ll start by saying he began his professional career at the age of 14, educated in Detroit & Chicago.  While serving in the Army, stationed in Panama with the Army Band, he completed his education with a Master Degree from the University of Panama.  His thesis was to write a 4 part composition complete with strings (“Para Ya Nos Vamos”{“Ode to Eve”}) which the Symphony of Panama performed. 

The Bands & Orchestras listed below are not in any specify order but will certainly give you an idea of the ‘exciting’ life and musical career Dale has lead.  

Gene Krupa Band                            Tito Puente Band 

Jimmy Dorsey Band                          Teddy Phillips Orchestra 

Harry James Orchestra                    Ray McKinney & the Glenn Miller Orchestra 

Guy Lombardo Orchestra                Bob Crosby & the Bob Cats 

Sammy Kay Band                              Ralph Martiere Band 

Glenn Miller Band                            Panama Francis & the Savoy Sultans 

Tex Beneke Band                            Skinny Ennis Orchestra 

Jack Fina Orchestra                         Shep Fields Champagne Orchestra 

Leyton Noble Orchestra (LA)          Henry King Orchestra  

Toured with:  The Dinah Shore Road Show; Myron Florin (Lawrence Welk Show)   

Appeared on:  Johnny Carson Tonight Show; Andy Williams Show;  Liberace Show; Mike Douglas Show 

 Performed at Arthur Godfrey’s Ski Resort; New York Road Show of “Guys & Dolls”. 

Musical Director at:  Las Vegas Hilton; Foster Brooks; Mills Brothers; Langford Hotel, Winter Park, FL; “Viva les Divas”, Greenville, SC 

Musical Director & arranger for the Christian Musical “Noah” & the Ark, whose premiere performance was held in Chicago. 

National Consultant for UCC (United Church of Christ) – writing & conducting for all National Events around the Country. 

Director & Arranger for the Maitland “Pops” Orchestra & Chorus; Central FL “Pops” Orchestra; FL Sunshine Orchestra; FL Music Force (22pc Jazz Orchestra); Spartanburg Jazz Ensemble; Cascades-Verdae Chorale, Greenville,SC. 

Arranger for:  Las Vegas Hilton; NBC Tonight Show; Langford Hotel, Winter Park, FL 

 Ministered in the Music Department at Calvary Assembly of God Church, Orlando, FL conducting & writing for a 48 pc Orchestra & 200 plus voice Choir.  Also playing Trumpet. 

Among his many groups was/is the “Chesterfield Sextet” & “Brothers” (Both were Jazz vocal quartets); “Blue Notes”(Jazz quartet); Saint Louis Jazz (8 pc band); Dale Burke Orchestra (16-18 pc); “SassaBrass 5” (Brass quintet). 

Moving on to personalities Dale has written for or performed with: 

Bill Crosby                 Foster Brooks           Gladys Knight                       Sarah Vaughn 

Johnny Desmond      Beverly Sills              Al Martino                              Diana Shore 

Eddie Fisher              Fran Warren              Roberta Flack                        Arthur Godfrey          

Burl Ives                    Tallulah Bankhead   Joseph Cotton                      Rudy Valley 

Jerry Vale                   Roberta Peters         Buddy Creco                         Eddie Peabody 

Phyllis Diller              Shari Lewis                Vaughn Monroe                    Edgar Bergman 

Perry Como               Gary Merrell              John Myers                            Red Fox 

Joey Lewis                 Sophie Tucker          Myron Cohen                           Molly B           

Tennessee Ernie Ford                                June Taylor Dancers 

Dale has written a Trumpet ‘How to’ book currently used in some Universities today.; “Basics of Improv” book, Several Vocal & Jazz Instrumental Books; 100’s of original compositions; arrangements for clients around the world.  Several of his original composition CD’s are listed on www.cdbaby.com.  Plus we maintain his website: www.daleburkemusic.com. 

 Dale has traveled to Germany, Canada, Central & South America, as well as the entire United States entertaining in Night Clubs, Theatres & Events.   He has also conducted various workshops & Clinics. 

 Well, that’s a glimpse into Dale’s career history, at least all he could remember!   Many stories & memories go along with this 75 year musical career – But that’s the rest of the story!!! 

Today, at 91, he still writes, arranges, performs, conducts & records and has no plans of slowing down!