Jazz and Chorus

(6) Glenn Miller Style The Modernaires
in Japanese

More than 60 years ago, the Modernaires started as a vocal trio in Buffalo, in 1935. They were hired by Glenn Miller in 1939 and became populer.


Original Quartet + Paula Kelly

Hal Dickinson's wife, Paula Kelly joined into the male quartet and became a mixed quintet. The Modernaires were featured in "Chattanooga Choo Choo" and/or "Serenade In Blue" in Glenn Miller Orchestra's record.

 

Paula Kelly retired in 1978, and was replaced by her daughter, Paula Kelly, Jr.


Alan Copeland joined in 1948-1969. he came back to the Mods again in 1995. Alan has continued as part time base.


1999

 

The Modernaires were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. From left, Bill Tracy, Martha Dickinson, Paula Kelly, Jr., and Joe Croyle.


2005

This is a photo of May, 2005. From left, Joe Croyle, Martha Dickinson, Julie Dickinson, Paula Kelly, Jr., and Alan Copeland.

Bill Tracy died in November, 2005. Perhaps, Alan Copeland sang instead of Bill.

Three women are Hal Dickinson's daughters. They had formed the Kelly Sisters in 60's.


2007

This is 2007's photo. Elder sister, Martha passed away in the spring of 2006.

From left, Joe Croyle, Paula Kelly, Jr., Ken Prescott, and Julie Dickinson. Ken is the newest member.

Third generation, or fourth generation are warming up for the next generation of the Modernaires. It's a surprising news.


2008

Youngest member, Ken Prescott was replaced by Jim Stephens.

From left, Joe Croyle、Julie Dickinson、Paula Kelly Jr., and Jim Stephens.

This is the 2008's line up.

Julie looks thin.

Elmer Hopper of the Mills Brothers wrote me an e-mail, asking "Do you know Paula Kelly?" Recently, Elmer and Paula became friends in Facebook. Of course I know Paula Kelly, Jr. of the Modernaires. I sent a mail to Paula that I'm introducing the Modernaires in my home page. Then Paula gave me a message;

Dear Mr. Wakayama,
Thank you for including us on your home page.
Sincerely,

Paula Kelly, Jr.

So, I prepared the Modernaires Page in English. (September 18, 2009)


Paula Kelly Cole Obituary

Paule Kelly Jr. (May 11, 1944 - April 26, 2012) passed away in April 2012. I found her death in the Modernaires Home Page. I haven't visit the site more than two years. (Jan. 28, 2014)

Modernaires(2014)


Scott Whitfield   Ginger Berglund   Jim Stephens   Julie Dickinson   Joe Croyle

Ginger joined in February 2012 and her husband Scott in September 2012. Judie is youngest sister of Hal Dickinson's daughters.



Mike Price and Julie

I found this photo in Julie's Facebook. And I wrote to Julie.

Mike is my friend who lives in Tokyo and was a trumpeter of big band Nobuo Hara and his Sharps and Flats. Now he is leader of his own band.

Julie sent me her message. (Feb. 7, 2014)

Thank you Mr. Wakayama San. Would love for you to hear our group now. We are very proud to carry on the family traditions of great harmony and great music. We would love to put together a tour in Japan with my dear friend Mike Price and his Big Band.

Julie Dickinson Lancaster


Julie uploaaded the Kelly Sister's video. This group started in Jan. 1966.

 (Nov. 28, 2016)



Paula Jr.   Martha   Julie

Today, Julie uploaded this wonderful photo on Facebook. This was taken at Bob Crosby Show circa 1953.

 (4/11/2020



Chuck Kelly

An old member, Chuck Kelly became Facebook friend. I introduced him this HP page for I found his name on Julie Dickinson's Page. Now he is the bookwriter of 'Legend of Otherland' book series.

Hi Kuni, Thanks for connecting, I was with the Modernaires from '59 to '64. Had a great time and now I'm the author of the 'Legend of Otherland' book series.

https://www.facebook.com/chuck.kelly.7165

https://www.crimsoncloakpublishing.com/chuck-kelly.html

Before the Modernaires, he had played trombone in the Gillespie Band.

(Apr. 13, 2020)


Julie sent me this old photo, Hal Dickinson Family.

(Nov 27. 2020)


Alan Copeland died at 96


Alan Copeland(1926-2022)

Alan Copeland died on December 28, 2022 at 96.

(2023/1/17)


Mr. Whitfield has left the group. Here is our group as it stands today.

Julie Dickinson Lancaster
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY Daddy.
I still miss you every day. Hope you have a lovely day with Mom, Martha, and P.K. XOXO.

Julie Dickinson Lancaster
Kunihiro Wakayama very nice, thank you. Mr. Whitfield has left the group. Here is our group as it stands today.
Kunihiro Wakayama
Julie Dickinson Lancaster Thank you, Julie!
Julie Dickinson Lancaster
Kunihiro Wakayam
a you are very welcome!

(June 23, 2024)


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