Wunderkind xylophonist Julius Gubenko, 12-year-old winner of Major Bowes Amateur Hour with his 45 second Flight of the Bumble Bee, eventually became award winning wunderman vibraphonist Terry Gibbs.

After World War II, Gibbs toured with Chubby Jackson, Buddy Rich and Woody Herman; co-led a sextet with Louie Bellson and Charlie Shavers and in 1950 formed his own band for Mel Torme’s TV Show. In 2951 he joined the Benny Goodman Sextet. The next several years were spent touring with his own group, garnering acclaim as “#1 Vibraphonist in the World”, in both the Downbeat and Metronome polls from 1950 to 1955.

Gibbs settled in Los Angeles in 1957 and shortly after, formed his big band, later dubbed “The Dream Band”, which was named “Best Band in the World”, in the Downbeat ’59 Critics Poll.

As Music Director for the Regis Philbin Show in ’64, Gibbs had the opportunity to compose the music and conduct a sextet. He later served as Music Director/Composer for the ABC TV show, Operation Entertainment and for Steve Allen, building a substantial ASCAP rating.

Another highlight of Gibbs’ illustrious career was his unprecedented nomination in four categories of the Playboy Jazz Poll: Best Vibraphonist, Best Quartet, Best Big Band and Best Band Leader.

Gibbs has over 35 albums to his credit, is the winner of two major jazz polls and is the creator of 300+ compositions. With his philosophy, “start swinging from the moment you hit that stage”, Gibbs’ awesome mastery of his instrument has been treating audiences to six decades of good vibes.