Distinguished Alumni
August Ed Gerlach
Awarded 1982
Ed Gerlach was born in Livingston, Texas, and attended elementary and high school there. He attended Texas A&M University for two years majoring in architecture. Ed Gerlach transferred to Sam Houston State in 1939 to major in music. Dr. C.R. Hackney, then head of the Music Department, made Gerlach director of the college dance orchestra, the "HOUSTONIANS". World War II came along and nine members of the orchestra, including Gerlach, enlisted in the Air Force at Ellington Field. Another Gerlach Orchestra was born and remained together during the four years of the war. He graduated from Sam Houston after being discharged from military service in 1946. After graduation, Gerlach worked in Houston and later joined the Glenn Miller Orchestra under the leadership of Tex Benke. He was made musical director and arranger. After travels with the Miller band and making a movie in Hollywood, Gerlach returned to Houston. He taught at the University of Houston and organized another Gerlach Orchestra. His booking agency has become one of the largest in the South. Ed Gerlach is married to the former Doris Conner, also a Sam Houston Alum. They have two daughters, Rebecca and Nancy. Mr. Gerlach is a member of the Sam Houston Alumni Association also.