| Intro | American musician |
| Was | Jazz musician |
| From | United States of America |
| Type | Music |
| Gender | male |
| Birth | 4 May 1916 |
| Death |
9 March 1994 (aged 77 years) |
Moe Purtill (May 4, 1916 – March 9, 1994) was an American swing jazz drummer. He was best known as Glenn Miller’s drummer during Miller’s period of greatest fame.
Career
Purtill worked as a freelance musician in New York City before working with Red Norvo and Mildred Bailey in the middle of the decade. He played briefly with Miller in 1937, then worked with Tommy Dorsey in 1938-39 before picking up with Miller again from 1939-1942, when Miller had the bulk of his hits. After working with Kay Kyser in 1943-44 he served in the Navy, then played with Tex Beneke after the war’s end. From the late 1940s he did mostly studio work, though he did play in several Miller reunion bands. He never recorded a session as a leader.
Movie appearances
Moe Purtill appeared in the following movies in 1941 and 1942:
- Sun Valley Serenade (1941)
- Orchestra Wives (1942)