John R. Tumpak

JOHN R. TUMPAK

Big Band Historian

John Tumpak is an internationally published jazz journalist who lives in Los Angeles and specializes in writing about the Big Band Era. He has a comprehensive knowledge of the subject and is sought out by academicians, collectors, enthusiasts, and the media as a source of information. His articles are achieved in several historical societies, universities, and the Institute of Jazz Studies. Through the years Tumapak developed personal associations with the bandleaders, musicians, vocalists, arrangers, and contributors who participated in the Era. Their stories are told in his book, When Swing Was the Thing: Personality Profiles of the Big Band Era, which provides a detailed insight into their personal and professional lives and the cultural history of the time.

An experienced and popular public speaker, Tumpak regularly makes presentations on the big bands to a variety of audiences and frequently appears on radio and televiosn discussing the Big Band Era. His talks encompass the well known big band personalities, the history of the Era, and specific aspects of the music. Tumpak is on the Board of Directors of the Big Band Academy of America and covers their Annual Reunion for jazz publications. He is also affiliated with the Duke Ellington Jazz Society, Jazz Journalists Association, and the Los Angeles Jazz Society.

Tumpak retired from the US Small Business Administration in 2004 after serving as Director of Public Affairs for the Los Angeles District for twenty eight years. In his capacity he worked closely with the electronic and print media and spoke on small business management at numerous universities and SBA conferences throughout the United States. He also was an adjunct faulty member in the School of Business Administration at Glendale, Mission, and Pierce colleges where he taught business and finance.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tumpak graduated from Marquette University in 1963 with a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received a Master's Degree in Business Administration form the University of Southern California graduating cum laude in 1968. Tumpak is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business school honor society. He is also a three time past president of the Los Angeles Federal Executive Board Public Affairs Council.