History of the Band

The Continentals Dance Band was first organized in 1957 as a sixteen piece orchestra. Leon had just been discharged from the Navy, and he and other musicians in the Raleigh area were looking for an opportunity to play dance music. The band's first engagement was playing for the Miss Raleigh pageant in 1958. Soon afterward they were playing for college dances at N.C. State, Duke and UNC. Many of the early musicians were college students and members of the National Guard Band. The band quickly grew in popularity because they played dance music while other bands in the area played jazz.

One of the first musicians in the band and one who helped start the band was drummer Bobby Harrison. After playing with the Continentals, Harrison went on the road with Frank Sinatra, Jr. and then Si Zentnor and Juliet Prowse. He now plays in Los Vegas. Other well-known musicians who have played with the band more recently are saxophonist Kirby Campbell, at one time the busiest studio musician in New York City, and Bob Havens who was the featured trombonist on the Lawrence Welk show for its entire twenty-two year run. The Continentals Band is best-known for having played more than five hundred Saturday night engagements at the Radisson Governors Inn in Research Triangle Park, N.C.

Some of the engagements our band has played for in recent years

  1. Cornelius Harnett Ball — 27 years thru 2010
  2. Lillington Rotary Club — 17 years through 2006
  3. North Carolina Society of the Cincinatti, Atlantic Beach, NC — 2006
  4. The North Carolina State Capitol Society Ball — 2003, 2006, 2008
  5. Grand reopening of the railroad station in Greensboro — 2005
  6. North Carolina Governors Inaugural Ball — 2001, 2005
  7. NC Symphony New Years Balls — 1994 thru 2008
  8. 12th Annual Special Forces Ball featuring Wayne Newton, Fort Bragg, NC — 2000
  9. New Year's Eve Ball, Pinehurst Hotel, Pinehurst, N.C. — 1999
  10. Moroccan Reunion Association 2009- Raleigh
  11. US Marines Birthday Celebration 2009-10 - Raleigh
  12. Magnolia Glen Retirement Home Holiday Party - 2009-10
  13. The Heritage Retirement Home - Raleigh Triangle Christmas Party Triangle Bridal Assoc. -2010
  14. 40th and 50th Cameron Village Birthday Party, Raleigh, NC — 1999
  15. Carolina Country Club - Every Year

    Testimonials

    Thank you for the outstanding job done as orchestra director during this Command's 12th Annual Special Forces Ball. The orchestra performed superbly, and the music was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. It really was a night to remember!!

    Kenneth R. Bowra
    Major General, US. Army
    Commanding Officer

    Leon, your heavenly music is a constant source of joy for us. What wonderful memories we'll always cherish of delightful times dancing, listening, relishing every superb example! We love you! Leon Jordan and the Continentals were great!!! The best band to ever play in Eastern North Carolina! (I almost danced every dance.)

    Kay Currie
    WRRF, Washington, N.C.

    The State Capitol Society Ball was a huge success, and your band made it possible. Your music was beautifully and very professionally presented. Your selection of tunes was most appropriate, and I heard many compliments from people in attendance. … we were also confident and comfortable in the knowledge that you pros would carry the evening …