The Skymasters

Founded by the AVRO (Algemene Vereniging Radio Omroep) radio station in 1946 in Hilversum, The Skymasters existed until 1997. As they were regularly on Dutch radio, they became famous in the Netherlands as a radio-Big Band, in a similar way to how The Ramblers had who still play today.

Over the years they played with big names in ''Nick Vollebregt's Jazz Cafe'' for a Dutch radio show and at the North Sea Jazz festival. Talented leaders of The Skymasters included Pi Scheffer and Tonny Eyk. Musicians included 1930s stars such as Eddy Meenk who played for them during the 1950s.