Murray McEachern earned widespread acclaim for the rich, expressive sound he produced on trombone and alto saxophone. He first took up the violin at age five, then mastered an array of brass and woodwind instruments during his high-school years. A quick study with innate musical ability, he performed in local orchestras while still in his teens and became proficient on trumpet, tenor saxophone, tuba, and bass as well. From 1936 to 1937 he played trombone in Benny Goodman’s big band, after which he joined the Casa Loma Orchestra, where from 1937 to 1941 he performed on both trombone and alto—an uncommon pairing. A short engagement with Paul Whiteman followed before he relocated to Los Angeles and established himself as a sought-after studio musician for many years, contributing to numerous film soundtracks. Occasional forays outside the studios included a 1943 stint with Harry James, leading his own part-time orchestra, appearances with Bob Crosby, performances on the late-1950s television series Pete Kelly’s Blues, and a 1973 collaboration with Duke Ellington. Between 1974 and 1976 he directed the Tommy Dorsey ghost band, a role that underscored his versatility; had the Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey ensembles merged, he could readily have substituted for either brother.
