[1] On 1 January 1956, NWDR was divided into Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR, Hamburg) and WDR in Cologne[2] which assumed the orchestra.

[5] In 1972, Edelhagen's annual work contract with WDR was terminated by the broadcaster[6] which meant the end of his big band.

[8] Richmond wrote about this era: "Under the direction of van Rooyen, the band made perhaps its biggest strides musically, and enjoyed visibility on an international level.

"[8] In 2016, Bob Mintzer was engaged as chief conductor, and Vince Mendoza was introduced as the band's new "Composer in Residence".

As of 2024, the band's lineup consists of:[14] Saxophones: Karolina Strassmayer (as), Johan Hörlén (as), Paul Heller (ts), Ben Fitzpatrick (ts), Jens Neufang (bs) Trumpets: Andy Haderer, Rob Bruynen, Wim Both, Ruud Breuls Trombones: Ludwig Nuss, Mattis Cederberg, Raphael Klemm, Andy Hunter Rhythm section: Billy Test (keys), Hans Dekker (d), John Goldsby (b) In 2004, Strassmayer was the first woman to join the orchestra.

[17] 2008, at the 50th Grammy Awards celebration, the joint production between WDR Big Band and the singer Patti Austin, "Avant Gershwin", was voted "Best Jazz Vocal Album" of the year.