Gary Tole was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. After attending Duquesne University, Gary traveled on the road for four years playing first trombone with the Glenn Miller Orchestra directed by Jimmy Henderson. In 1978, he made his permanent residence in southern California. Shortly after arriving in Los Angeles, Gary was hired to play first trombone with the Harry James Orchestra and performed on Harry's last recording. Another great opportunity opened, and Gary began performing with the Les Brown Band of Renown and recording television shows with legendary entertainer Bob Hope. On stage as well as recording, Gary's smooth but dynamic style placed him in constant demand with such stars as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Rosemary Clooney, Johnny Mathis, Bernadette Peters, Kenny Rogers, Rita Moreno, Melissa Manchester, James Ingram, Peter Cetera and Phil Collins. He has been seen and heard on numerous television programs backing great performers such as Diana Ross, Sammy Davis, Pia Zadora, Sheena Easton, Peabo Bryson, The Pointer Sisters and many more. Gary has also spent numerous hours in the recording studios doing record sessions, TV film, jingles and major motion picture sound tracks.
Gary has had a long and illustrious career in the big band world including performances with the orchestras of Jimmy Dorsey, Tommy Dorsey, Ray McKinley, Tex Beneke, Stan Kenton, Ray Anthony, Benny Goodman, Xavier Cugat, Woody Herman, Louis Bellson, Bill Holman, Bob Florence, Buddy Childers and many more. He has also had performed for many years with every Broadway show that has toured the Los Angeles area.
In addition to trombone, Gary also plays bass trombone and euphonium. As an active clinician, Gary participates in music education programs as a judge for jazz festivals as well as band and orchestra festivals, privately teaches low brass instruments and travels throughout the country conducting various clinics.
Having a sharp eye for perfection, Gary started his own entertainment production company, Gary Tole Music Productions, Inc., in 1984. From weddings of Hollywood's elite to fund raisers at LA's top hotels and international corporate events, Gary has done it all. He has accomplished what seems economically and socially impossible in the new century. His own 16-piece ensemble, Legends of Swing, has become one of the world's most sought after big bands and is in heavy demand nationally and internationally for its white-hot tributes to icons like Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, The Dorsey Brothers and Benny Goodman. In 2007, Legends of Swing released its second recording, One Kettle for Count (Summit), which received multiple Grammy nominations in the categories of Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album, Best Instrumental Composition and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s).
Being known and recognized for his accomplishments and high standards, Gary became the leader and director of the world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra from January to December of 2011. He is also the musical director and leader of the Tex Beneke Orchestra.
Gary is also producing many internationally acclaimed artists. He is well-establish in this arena and is recognized for his outstanding production work, all recorded, mixed and mastered at Capitol Records in Hollywood, CA. In total, Gary has been nominated for nine Grammys over the last decade including his production, a Gospel album by Michel Bell My Angel with a 43-piece orchestra.
