Milestones
Major chords in our history: Milestones in music and mentorship.
Scroll to see our integrated timeline with World War 2 and the Battleship IOWA.
1939-1945
Early History and World War II
USS IOWA enters service: The battleship begins its initial service period. During this era, a bathtube is installed for President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) so he can travel on the lead battleship despite his polio. Future RBB founder Vernon Brown serves as a WWII veteran at Iwo Jima and on a wooden minesweeper, the USS Strategy. Big Band music, led by figures like Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller, become the "popular music of the day" and a bridge of camaraderie for servicemen.
1949-1958
Cold War and Decommissioning
USS Iowa Decommissioned: The ship was first taken out of active duty in March 1949. Following its reactivation for the Korean War, it was decommissioned again in 1958. It remained in the mothball fleet for approximately 34 years.
1990
Original "Fun Band" Era
Vernon Brown, known as the "Father of the Band", starts the group with fellow WWII veterans. Phil Hardymon serves as the first Director, bringing his experience from the Berkeley High School jazz program. Dr. Kline uses an early Apple Mac Classic to produce musical parts for the band.
1984
Recommissioning and Expansion
USS Iowa Returns to Duty: The ship is recommissioned and serves in three major conflicts: The Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm.
Maurice "Mo" Levich Takes Over RBB
Under Levich's leadership, the band transitions to a multigenerational focus and beings a heavy social service mission. Frank Como joins the leadership, contributing professional arrangements and his experience working with luminaries like Leonard Bernstein.
May 26 2012
Preservation and Modern Era
USS Iowa "Sent Off": The Big Band of Rossmoor performs as the ship is towed from the Richmond Shipyard mothball fleet toward Southern California. After years of rusing a decay, the USS Iowa is saved and restored as a museum in San Pedro Harbor, run by The Pacific Battleship Center.
Greg Brown Joins RBB
Recruited by Mo and Frank, Greg Brown eventually becomes a full-time Co-Director after a highly awarded career as a high school music director.
November 2026
The Return Trip
Three years after a previous visit, the band plans to travel by bus to the USS Iowa to perform "Histor-tainment" and honor the shared history of the music and the vessel.