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 Ed
Gerlach was born in Livingston, Texas, and attended elementary
and high school there. He attended Texas A&M University
for two years majoring in architecture. Ed Gerlach transferred
to Sam Houston State in 1939 to major in music. Dr. C.R.
Hackney, then head of the Music Department, made Gerlach
director of the college dance orchestra, the "HOUSTONIANS".
World War II came along and nine members of the orchestra,
including Gerlach, enlisted in the Air Force at Ellington
Field. Another Gerlach Orchestra was born and remained
together during the four years of the war. He graduated
from Sam Houston after being discharged from military
service in 1946. After graduation, Gerlach worked in Houston
and later joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the
leadership of Tex Benke. He was made musical director
and arranger. After travels with the Miller band and making
a movie in Hollywood, Gerlach returned to Houston. He
taught at the University of Houston and organized another
Gerlach Orchestra. His booking agency has become one of
the largest in the South. Ed Gerlach is married to the
former Doris Conner, also a Sam Houston Alum. They have
two daughters, Rebecca and Nancy. Mr. Gerlach is a member
of the Sam Houston Alumni Association also. |
As profiled at April 30, 1982 Distinguished Alumni
Banquet
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