Johnny Messner (13 October 1909, in New York City – January 1986, in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey) was an American bandleader, composer, saxophonist, and vocalist during the big band/swing heyday. == Background == Messner grew up in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey and graduated from Ridgefield Park High School in 1928. Messner received a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School of Music. During World War II he was drafted into the US Army, where he served as bandleader for ensembles... [more on Wikipedia]