Music Pick: Erskine Hawkins

Trumpeter, composer and Big Band leader Erskine Hawkins (1914-1993) had one of the best bands of the era and arguably the best moniker '20th Century Gabriel' to recognize his trumpet prowess. While most fans of the era are familiar with Glenn Miller's No. 1 hit 'Tuxedo Junction' many don't know that it was composed by Hawkins and his record came out first, rising to No. 7 on the Hit Parade till Miller upstaged him. As great as Miller's is I still prefer Hawkins jazzier version which is featured here. Hawkins led his swing orchestra from 1934 to 1953, continuing for 40 more years with a quintet till shortly before his death in 1993.