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Eventually a strain developed between us, so I never got to know him as well as I did
others in the band". (Glenn Miller and his Orchestra by Geoge T. Simon.) Published by W.H Allen. Again reprinted
and available throughA&R Books
For me, Big Band Buddies, Glenn Miller's Orchestra was richer with Ray's voice, his
vocal tallent seemed to blend beautifully with the music. My favourite songs by Ray are Elmers Tune, At Last, Stairway
to the Stars, Everything I Love. Mind you, Ray recorded about one hundred and fifteen songs with the band during
the period 1939 to1942.
When Ray turned up for work late one day in 1942, Glenn said as Ray walked in the door, "YOUR
FIRED" no explaination, no more conversation. Thats how tough Glenn could be at times. Ray was left standing
there with mouth open, no doubt wondering what the hell hat hit him.
Ray always insisted that he had resigned from Glenn s band. Glenn's account was that Ray's persistant drinking
and late arrivals were the reason for the firing. Years later Ray seemed not to hold a grudge and would talk about
his time with the band as a very happy time. George Simon, in his book, interviewing Ray while researching for
his publication says, " Ray Eberle still insisted he quit the band and his main beef with Glenn was over money,
the guys in the band were getting $50 per week against his $35". In George Simon's book there are other reasons
given by members of the orchestra why Ray was fired.
Ray appeared at several re-union concerts over the years and in fact had a band of his own and recorded tribute
records to "My Friend Glenn". Well I do hope Ray wasn't too bitter towards Glenn in his heart because
his singing was so much part of the wonderfull orchestra of Glenn Miller.
Ray died on the 25th August 1979
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