Below is a list of big named, big band leaders of the past. References to composers/arrangers will made in the context of said leaders. It is not often the case that said composers/arrangers are known to the public.
- Duke Ellington
- Count Basie
- Tommy Dorsey
- Benny Goodman
- Glenn Miller
- Cab Calloway
- Woody Herman
- Harry James
- Stan Kenton
- Buddy Rich
- Ted Heath
- Joe Loss
- Geraldo
- Syd Lawrence
- Ray Noble
- Edmundo Ros
- Laurie Johnson
- Don Ellis
- Maynard Ferguson
- Neal Hefti
- Fletcher Henderson
- Thad Jones
- Quincy Jones
- Earl Hines
- Gerry Mulligan
- Paul Whiteman
- Don Redman