104-Year-Old Vet Sets World Record for Oldest Band Conductor

0:00It's March 26th, Sydney News. Today starts now, AI-powered and ready. I'm Cory with the story. George Franklin, a 104-year-old World War II veteran and musician, stands as the longest-serving member of the City of Perth band in. Western Australia. He celebrated his birthday on March 11th, surrounded by family and friends, and he's just months from claiming the Guinness World record as the oldest band conductor. Music has defined his life since he picked up the corned at H7 and joined the Perth band back in 1934. After serving in the World Australian Air Force during the war, he played in a military band before returning to conduct the brass group for decades. And now, leading the swing band every Monday night, friends and family can't say enough about his talent and spirit. Long time bandmate Don Steele calls him amazing and a joy to play under. While his daughter Gail notes, he's still composing music after all these years. Franklin himself credits his passion for music with keeping him going strong.

1:03The current record belongs to American conductor, Frank Edmund, who led the Pensacola Civic Band until passing away in January 2023 at 104 years and 168 days old. Franklin will surpass that mark on August 27th, 2026. Even if the record proves short-lived, Franklin's lifelong dedication to music continues to inspire everyone around him as he keeps the band swinging.