This ultimate guide to big bands includes hundreds of entries spanning the history of this American musical style. Each entry contains the band name, its leader, essential personnel, the years it existed, tops hits, and a brief description of the band.

War is serious business. However, within all the torment of war, the strongest of bonds are created and nurtured. Through these ties and perhaps because of them, instances of wit along with humorous episodes breathe light into the darkness and damnation of war. The thread that binds this story together is the mentoring affiliation the Commanding General has with Captain Barney Quinn, Company Commander and later, Aide. Barney's, at times roguish behavior, his sense of humor, and playfully prankish mind both clash and support this steely-eyed Old Corps Marine, Lieutenant General Walter Barto....

Very few Americans walk away unmoved from a Friday Evening Parade at the Marine Barracks, 8th and "I" Sts, SE, Washington, DC. It's the oldest Post of the Corps. By visiting The Barracks, President Kennedy became the first President to do so since Thomas Jefferson in 1801. This brought about a special relationship with The Barracks' Marines. A bond that was brought to a tragic end by a sniper's bullet in November 1963. Lieutenant Barney Quinn tells little known details of the Death Watch at the casket and his inner most private thoughts. While on this watch, he also reflects on other...