Maurice Purtill

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Maurice Purtill (May 4, 1916–March 9, 1994) was an American drummer who is best known today as Glenn Miller’s featured drummer from 1938 to 1942. According to Scott Yanow in his biography on Maurice Purtill, Purtill "was a solid accompanist, although he tended to be a bit bombastic during his solo features with Miller." He was also known for his high quality brush work.

Born in Huntington, New York, Purtill started out as a freelance drummer in New York studios. He would then go on to play with Red Norvo in 1936. Purtill then played in Miller's first (and unsuccessful) band in 1936, then played with Tommy Dorsey until 1938. After this, he rejoined Miller, where he remained until 1942, appearing on virtually all of Miller’s hit records. While with Miller, he appeared in two films, Sun Valley Serenade (1941), and Orchestra Wives (1942); in the latter he got some speaking lines.

After the breakup of Miller's band in 1942, Purtill went on to play with Kay Kyser until 1944, then joined the Navy. After his discharge, he played briefly with Tex Beneke’s band. Purtill mostly recorded in the studios, where he sometimes participated in various Miller projects. He resided in New York City until the early 1970s, when he went to teach drums in Sarasota, Florida.

He was married twice; the first time was to Nancy Flake, a singer. They had two children, John and William (Bill) Purtill. He remarried in 1970 to Lida Pavlik, and together they had a son, Tom. He retired to Fair Lawn, New Jersey in 1978, and remained there until his death in 1994.