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William Finegan Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Finegan
Alan Cass
June 17, 2008
Dear Family:
Our sincere condolences to your family from the Glenn Miller Archive, American Music Research Center at the University of Colorado. Bill's musical legacy will be remembered by all who cherish this unique American musical heritage.
SCOTT JISONNA
June 10, 2008
I have great memories of the family. They were very down to earth. They were like a 2nd family to me. My deepest sympath to Jamie and Helen.
Richard Carlson
June 8, 2008
Here is a pioneer whose work largely has been overlooked by jazz fans, I suppose because he was not averse to seeking popularity. I think it could be said Bill Finegan was more responsible for Miller's lush romantic sound than Jerry Gray. By the time he was writing for Dorsey though in the late '40s his work was distinct and original. In 1952, the Sauter-Finegan band was so startling with innovation that many of us struggled with how to hear it. Alas, they tried too many novelty approaches. I never heard Gil Evans cite Finegan as an influence but I can't imagine he wasn't. Thad Jones and Mel Lewis took all the Finegan they could get.
Bill Finegan's work is quiet and unassuming, except at an arrangement's climax at which point heavenly choirs appear. But it is meticulous music, and quite possibly some of the most gorgeous of the last century, most of which he lived. Finding out what he arranged, with Miller and Sauter-Finegan, is arduous and involves for me guesswork. Glenn Miller sometimes sent charts done by Gray, Finegan or Billy May to each other to "clean up" or add to. Other times Miller himself tinkered with them. It's said Finegan used to write completely outrageous stuff into his Miller contributions just to tick Glenn off. With Sauter-Finegan the 2 arrangers tended to write separately, but still they sometimes melded things together. I'm not aware of anyone yet trying to sort those arrangements out.
Finegan was full of whimsy, but could swing like mad when usually a brief part of an arrangement called for it. His musicians were faithful to him all the way back to Miller and going through Dorsey. I did not know of the staggering personnel of the studio bands, which couldn't possibly have been afforded when the band took to the road---and played my hometown in Western New York when I was 13, and I didn't go. I found out only very recently that Bill Harris is the trombone soloist on many of my favorites---and that Ralph Burns remained the piano man all the way. If you've got a genius like Ralph Burns wanting to learn from you, you must know somethin'!
During Bill's final few years I used to buy CDs if they had even one Finegan arrangement. This was true of last year's Christmas album by Chanticleer. He nailed Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas in a sublime setting for the choir and an ensemble of winds. If that was his last chart, it is a fitting farewell. This holiday tear-jerker will curl you right up into a comfy little ball of deliciousness.
Mar-Jean Zamperini
June 7, 2008
My condolences to Helen and James. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Georgette Geotsi
June 6, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I fondly remember Bill and Rosemary from UB. I especially remember the Sauter-Finegan reunion concert that was held at the University. Bill was amazing. Rosemary was wonder voice teach and an amazing person.
My their memory be eternal.
Joe Carter
June 5, 2008
My condolences to the family. About 20 years ago I called him to arrange some lessons on Jazz Harmony. He said "Naw, I'll just explain it over the phone". And he did, all in a two hour phone call.
lorraine kalman
June 5, 2008
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Phil Schaap
June 5, 2008
Bill was a genius. It was amazing that his intensity and integrity concerning music were still present up to the end.
Rest In Peace,
Phil Schaap
Diane Kissel
June 5, 2008
Sincerest condolences. I was priviledged to take voice lessons from Rosemary back in the '70's in Bridgeport (across from Treeland)when I was a teen. Wonderful memories from wonderful, kind people. I did sing Big Band locally and we did play "Little Brown Jug".
I do remember you, James and Helen. I'm sure no one will ever forget your Dad and your Mom.
Diane (Miller) Kissel
Stephen Krauchick
June 5, 2008
What a glorious legacy you have created with your music!
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