Floyd Graham

Who is Floyd Graham?

Floyd Freeman Graham was a US collegiate bandleader and music educator who founded and directed the Aces of Collegeland in 1927, the university dance band, pit orchestra and stage band of the University of North Texas College of Music. He also was a violinist. The Aces of Collegeland was the forerunner to the One O'Clock Lab Band. Graham laid the groundwork at North Texas for what became the first degree in jazz studies offered by a major academic university.

Many of the Ace's band members and Saturday night participants became a "who's who" in the performing arts – as members of famous big bands, film, and singers.

Notable Saturday Night Performers with the Aces

⁕Ann Sheridan

⁕Joan Blondell

⁕Louise Tobin

⁕Nancy Jane Gates

⁕Linda Darnell

⁕Pat Boone

Notable "Aces" Alumni

⁕Harry Babasin

⁕Bob Dorough

⁕Herb Ellis

⁕Jimmy Giuffre

⁕Charles W. LaRue

⁕William F. Lee III

⁕William Ennis Thomson

In 1971, the University of North Texas Student Government Association designated him as "Honor Professor," and upon retirement May 31, 1973, the regents awarded him the lifetime status of Professor Emeritus. He was the university's first professor emeritus.