[ Jimmy Wade's Syncopators ]
Circa 1916, trumpeter Jimmy Wade was already leading his own groups in the Chicago, IL area. About 1918, he backed Blues vocalist Lucille Hegamin during her tour to the U.S.A. west coast area for an extended engagement in Seattle, WA, before relocating to New York city in 1919. In 1922, he left Hegeman, returned to Chicago, and began working with pianist Doc Cooke. However, it wasn't long before Wade was again leading his own band.

In 1923, recording for Paramount as Wade's Moulin Rouge Orchestra, the band at times had such members as Jimmy Wade (Trumpet), Ray Whetsett (aka: Whitsett), (Trumpet), William Dover (Trombone), Vernon Roulette (Tenor Saxophone), Stump Evans (Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone, Alto Saxophone), Arnett Nelson (Clarinet, Alto Saxophone), Eddie South (Violin), Stanley Wilson (Violin, Banjo), Teddy Weatherford (Piano), Walter Wright (Bass), and Edwin Jackson (Drums).

In 1924, violinist Eddie South re-joined the band (making his recording debut), and became both the 'frontman' and musical director of 'Jimmy Wade's Syncopators' for their residences at Chicago's Moulin Rouge Café, and New York's famed Savoy Ballroom and Club Alabam (both in Harlem), Here's a photo (source unknown) of Wade's Moulin Rouge Syncopators, with (L-R) Edwin Jackson, Anthony Spaulding, Arnett Nelson, Billy Paige, Walter Wright, Stump Evans, Jimmy Wade, Eddie South, Ray Whitsett, Stanley Wilson, William Dover.

In 1927, South left the band. In 1928, when Wade was recorded by the Vocalion label, still among his sidemen were fellow trumpeter "Punch" Miller and pianist Alex Hill. Curiously, Miller never achieved great personal fame as a leader, and most of his recordings have been re-issued under the names of his more famous sidemen: Eddie South, 'Punch' Miller, and Alex Hill.

In 1928, recording for Vocalion as 'Jimmy Wade and his Dixielanders', the band at times had such members as Jimmy Wade (Trumpet), Punch Miller (Trumpet, Vocals), Charles Lawson (Trombone), Charles Johnson (Clarinet, Saxophone), Arnett Nelson (Clarinet, Saxophone), Alex Hill (Piano), and Cliff Jones (Piano).

   [ Jerry Wald Orch ]
b. Jan. 15, 1918, Newark, NJ, USA. d. 1973 in Las Vegas, NV, USA
né: Jervis Wald
Theme songs: (Jerry used six throughout his career)
"Call of the Wild"
"Clarinet High Jinx"
"Laura"
"Summer Moon"
"Trains in the Night"
"The Moon's on Fire"
Here's a photo of Jerry, who was a clarinetist that greatly admired Artie Shaw. He not only emulated Artie's style of playing, but he also stocked his own orchestra with many of Shaw's ex sidemen. There was Ray Conniff, who did the arranging, and Sid Weiss on bass, Bernie Privin on trumpet and Les Robinson on sax. Another important sideman was saxman Les Robinson. He later preceded Sammy Spears as orchestra conductor on comedian Jackie Gleason's TV show. Two other arrangers used by Wald were Manny Albam and Bill Challis. Here's a photo of Anita Boyer, who was the "girl" vocalist

Jerry's band always well received by the public wherever they played. The band had a really good sound but, for some reason or other, never took off. Some critics felt that it sounded -too- much like Artie Shaw, and perhaps this was a drawback.

At other times, the band included Les Elgart; Artie Ryerson; Bobby Dukoff; Billy Bauer and Ray Sims. Bobby Dukoff (who wound up marrying Anita Boyer) later had a band of his own, mostly just studio musicians who cut some sides for RCA Victor. Ray Coniff was also to go on to the same type of studio orchestra. Les and Larry Elgart went on to fame with their own big band, until they split up.
Some of this information on the Jerry Wald orchestra was graciously supplied by Mr. Kenneth F. Tidwell

   [ Herman Waldman Orch ]
Herman's band was very well known and respected all over the Southwest and Western U.S. In the late 1920's He had started his first band in Dallas, Texas.

In the early 30's, the band toured and had bookings in such well known venues as the Muehlebach Hotel, K.C.,KS, and the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, TN

Of course, they played the hotel rooms in their home town, like the Baker and the Adolphus Hotels, as well as touring all over Texas. On one of those one night stands, a young man tried out for a trumpet chair and did get the job. His name was Harry James. It was his first job with a real, working band.

At times, the band's sidemen included Jimmie Mann; Barney Dodd; Vernon Mills; Reggie Kaughlin; Tom Blake; Arnold Wadsworth; Rex Pries; Tink Natural; Ken Sweitzer; Bob Harris; Jim Segars, Harry James and Bill Clemens.

Their records on the Brunswick and Bluebird labels were popular, but apparently not popular enough. The orchestra never made it into the 1940's.

[ Ted Wallace and his Orchestra ], See The California Ramblers

   [ Thomas "Fats" Waller and his Rhythm ]
b: May 21, 1904, Waverley, NY, USA d: Kansas City, Dec. 15, 1943 (on board a Train)
Here's one photograph of "Fats" Waller, and another of "Fats" Dancing on board a ship. "Fats" was the son of a NYC Clergyman. Waller had studied piano intensively before turning professional at age 15.
During the 1920s, "Fats" Waller accompanied Bessie Smith and other blues singers in cabarets and theatres, playing organ and piano solos.
In 1925 Waller worked in Chicago with Erskine Tate.
During the late 1920s Fats co-wrote popular songs with his lyricist friend Andy Razaf, *see below, including songs for "Connie's Hot Chocolates", a 1928 Broadway show.

In 1929, Waller recorded with McKinney's Cotton Pickers
In 1931, Waller was on Radio Station WLW in Cincinati, OH, following which he made a short trip to Paris, France, in 1932.
Also in 1932, he recorded with the Blue Rhythm Orchestra.
In 1931, Waller recorded with the Ted Lewis Orchestra.
In May of 1934, Fats started to make some mostly satirical recordings for RCA Victor under the name of "Fats Waller and his Rhythm" that were to become his main legacy. His songs (some still co-authored with lyricist Andy Razaf), such as "Your Feets Too Big"; "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Blue Turning Gray Over You", are typical of his work during this period.

These recordings were mostly sextets that featured Fats on the piano along with Herman Autry on trumpet (othertimes with John Hamilton); Cedric Wallace on Bass; Al Casey on guitar; Gene Sedric on clarinet and Slick Jones on drums. His happy-go-lucky manner and happy lyrics made him a hit. Waller led a good 13 piece band in the early '40's although he made his mark earlier with the sextet.

Fats did have a weight and a drinking problem. It is reported that sometimes after a night of drinking, he and Andy Razaf would start at the top of the Brill Bldg ** (Broadway, NYC), on the following morning, and starting at the top floor, would visit every music publisher - often selling the same song to several different companies.
** The Brill Building is on Times Square and is filled virtually only with Music publishers, writers, etc. A modern day 'Tin Pan Alley' all in one building.

In 1943, Fats and his manager had gone to Hollywood to make some films. He was on the verge of making a huge success, when, on the train going back to New York City, he died. The twin problems of overweight and drink had taken their toll. When the train pulled into the Chicago station, they had found a stateroom filled with empty bottles and a large body. (A terrible loss of a great talent.)

* Notes re Andy Razaf:
Andreamenentania Paul Razafinkeriefo. Songwriter (Lyricist)
b: Washington, DC, USA. Dec. 16, 1895 D:
Razaf, a nephew of Queen Ranavalona, III, of Madagascar, occasionally recorded as a singer. He is best remembered today as the close friend and co-composer of Thomas "Fats" Waller. Among Razaf's credits are: Lyricist for "In The Mood"; "Stompin' at the Savoy"; "Memories of You"; "S'posin'"; "Keeping Out of Mischief Now"; "Ain't Misbehavin'" (a big hit for Waller), ; "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Black and Blue". Black and Blue became a hit when a young Louis Armstrong recorded it.
In 1928, he wrote the lyrics for a Broadway Supper Club show called: Connie's Hot Chocolates of 1928.
In 1930, he wrote the lyrics for Lew Leslie's Braodway show: Blackbirds of 1930.

   [ Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians. ]
b. June 9, 1900, Tyrone, Pennsylvania, USA, d. July 29, 1984, State College, Pennsylvania, USA
né: Frederick Malcolm Waring
Theme song: "Sleep"
Fred, who became known as "The Man Who Taught America How To Sing", was also the brother of singer/pianist Tom Waring. Here's a photograph of a young Fred Waring, who, after graduating from Penn State Univ, in the 1920s, started his orchestra. It was a 'polished' band that recorded for Victor and Columbia, with vocals by Fred's brother Tom, who also played piano in the band. A little later, Fred started his Glee Club. Here's a photo of that Fred Waring Orchestra, replete with the glee club, as seen on his 'Lucky Strike Radio Program'.

He was a demanding man and some of the sidemen admired him while others hated him. The orchestra was to graduate such future stars as choral directors Kay Thompson and Robert Shaw and movie stars such as Priscilla and Rosemary Lane.

These early 1920s big horn acoustical recordings show the bands excellent arrangments and quality.
    "Sleep": (483 kb): Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians, with vocal by Fred and Tom Waring. The band's Theme Song. VIC 19172A 28663-9 Oct.16, 1923

    "Memory Lane": (480 kb): Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians, with vocal by Tom Waring. VIC 19303A 29695-4 March-26, 1924

    "Dreary Weather": (492 kb): Fred Waring and His Pennsylvanians, with vocal by Tom Waring. VIC 19422A 30560-4 August 12, 1924

The above tracks were submitted by Mr. Leonard Schwartz, and subsequently digitally re-mastered

After Waring's Big Band Days ended, he started a factory making and selling the - you guessed it - Waring Blender, his invention.

In 1966, Fred had a 'fiftieth anniversary' party. His career included not only his orchestra and glee club, but the monthly magazine 'Music Journal' and his successful Shawnee Inn on 600 acres in Pennsylvania. He also held an annual music workshop.

   [ Johnny Warington Orch ]
Sorry, No info as yet. (A young Gerry Mulligan was wailing away with his sax in this band.)

   [ Mark Warnow & his Lucky Strike Hit Parade Orch. ]
b. 1900, d. Oct. 17, 1949
conductor, violinist, and musical director for the radio program 'Your Hit Parade'
see also, Raymond Scott Quintet.
'Click' this Mark Warnow and Frank Sinatra prompt to view a video of Mark Warnow leading the "Lucky Strike radio show "Your Hit Parade", with Frank Sinatra singing composer Hoagy Carmichael's great hit "Stardust".

Overview:
Born in Russia to Jewish parents, Warnow, beginning in the early 1930s, enjoyed a lengthy and versatile career as musical director with the CBS radio network. In 1931, he hired brother Harry (later known as Raymond Scott) as a keyboardist. However, Mark Warnow will always be remembered as the orchestra conductor on the long-running CBS radio program 'Your Hit Parade' (from 1939 to his death in 1949). In 1938, he appeared as himself in the Paramount motion picture 'The Star Reporter'. In the 1940s, he conducted and arranged for Frank Sinatra while the singer was signed to Columbia Records (then owned by the CBS network). He was also a composer and recording artist. He died in New York. In 1943, he produced a Broadway musical-comedy, "What's Up". When Mark Warnow passed away in 1949, his brother Raymond Scott (né Harry Warnow) succeeded him as orchestra leader on the popular radio show "Your Hit Parade".

   [ Sammy Watkins Orch. ]
Sammy's band was popular during the 1930's and 1940's. The band had a long run at Cleveland's Hotel Hollendon's Vogue Room. Fred Borgerhoff was on drums. Dean Martin (Dino Crocetti), was the vocalist.

   [ Lu Watters and The Yerba Buena Jazz Band ]
Instruments: Trumpet, Bandleader
Themes: "Bienville Blues" and "Friendless Blues"
b. Dec. 19, 1911, Santa Cruz, CA, USA, d. Nov 5, 1989, Santa Rosa, CA, USA.
Please 'click' this Dixieland Jazz, "Last Gasp" Prompt for more information on Lu Watters (under the "Yerba Buena Jazz Band), .
Lu started his career in the late 1920s as a cruise ship musician. In the 1930s he played with the Carol Lofner band (later to be known as the Lofner-Harris Band, and finally as the Phil Harris Orch), . In the 1940s he formed his own band, a New Orleans-style combo called the Yerba Buena Jazz Band. After military service in 1945 he reorganized his band and played till the 1950s. Here's a photograph of the Lu Watter's Band playing at Hambone Kelly's, the club Lu opened in San Francisco after his discharge from Military service during WWII. Some of the outstanding musicians in his band at various times were Bob Scobey-trumpet, Turk Murphy-trombone, Wally Rose-piano, and Bob Helm-clarinet. He retired from music in the early 1950s but reorganized another band and played into the 1960s.
Thanks to Mr. Ken Tidwell for these notes on Lu Watters.

   [ Chick Webb Orch. ]
b. Feb. 10, 1905, Baltimore, Maryland, USA, d. June 16, 1939, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. (complications after spine surgery). né: William Henry Webb.
Drums
Theme Song: "Let's Get Together"
As a child, Webb contracted tuberculosis which resulted in a twisted spine, and he was hunchbacked for the rest of his life. Until a few years ago, Webb's exact date of birth was unknown, but in September 2005, filmmaker (and drummer) Eric Bruno Borgman (b. June 23, 1970, Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA), who was researching Webb's life, discovered the correct year of his birth, -Feb. 10, 1905. Interestingly, his gravestone, at Arbutus Memorial Park in Arbutus, Baltimore Co., Maryland, still lists his erroneous birth date. (Notes on Mr. Borgman's research, can be found at: http://www.geocities.com/ebbpeg/Webb.html )

In the Mid-1920's, Webb came up to New York city. He put together an orchestra that included such sidemen as: Taft Jordan and Louis Bacon on trumpets; Sandy Williams on Trombone and Edgar Sampson on alto sax. Edgar slowly became the band's arranger, and a good one at that. He went on to arrange for many other bands.

"Crippled" Chick Webb, a hunchback dwarf, led one of the most swinging bands of the era from the drummer's throne. His was the 'house band' of the Savoy Ballroom 1931-1935. His manager, Moe Gale, was also the owner of the Savoy. When other big bands came into the Savoy Ballroom for "Cutting" contests, Chick's orchestra usually "blew them away" with Edgar Sampson's great swing scores.

Chick is remembered today as the discoverer of Ella Fitzgerald (b. April 25, 1917/8, Newport News, VA, USA, d. June 15, 1996, Beverly Hills, CA, USA), but she was really discovered at the Harlem Opera House (one block up from the famous Apollo Theater) Amateur Nights, by one of the Chick Webb band members, Bardu Ali. (In those days, if a bandleader didn't have an outgoing personality, it was common practice to hire a "Frontman" who would 'lead' the band, while the band's owner was playing as a 'sideman'. Bardu Ali was the 'frontman' for the Chick Webb Orchestra.) Ella was on stage at the Harlem Opera House the night Bardu Ali was in the audience. He heard Ella imitating her favorite singer, Connee Boswell. (She sang 2 of Boswell's big hits - "Judy" and "The Object of My Affection". The audience loved it, and she caught Bardu's attention.) (Incidentally, she won a prize of $25.00 for her efforts.)

About this same time, she had another Harlem Opera House Amateur Night tryout, and won a week-long professional engagement at the venue (beginning February 16, 1935), with the band of vocalist Tiny Bradshaw, who had recorded eight titles for Decca the previous year.

Not much later, Bardou Ali, 'frontman' for the Webb band, escorted her backstage to Webb's dressing room. Ella later told music critic Leonard Feather:

      "I sang the only three songs I knew - all the things I'd heard Connee Boswell do.
      Chick had a boy singer and didn't want a girl, and he grudgingly said, 'well, 'we're
      playing Yale tomorrow. Get on the band bus and, if they like you there, you've got a job."

But even that concession wasn't enough to get Ella a job with the Chick Webb Band. Here's a photo of Trumpeter Taft Jordan and Ella, at a recording session. Taft later recalled that once Webb himself had been convinced, Fitzgerald still had to audition for the band's manager, Moe Gale. Moe was not only the band's manager, he was also the owner of the Savoy Ballroom. Taft has said:
      "Moe came in and took a look at her and said 'Ah no, Chick.' Chick said, 'No, no.
      Listen to the voice.' Chick said, 'Don't look at her.'" Upon hearing Fitzgerald sing,
      Jordan continued, Gale was speechless, leaving Webb to have the last word, "Okay,
      I'll hire her."
And so, Chick Webb hired Ella, in 1934. Later, Chick and Mrs. Webb (Sallye, ?, - 16 June 1939) (Chick's death) adopted the young orphan.

Ella's big hit "A-Tisket, A-Tasket" was arranged for her by Al Feldman (later called Van Alexander), . Ella wrote some of the lyrics herself. During her stint with the band, almost EVERYBODY 'borrowed' Ella Fitzgerald from him at one time or another.

Chick died June 16, 1939 of Tuberculosis of the Spine. His mother was at bedside. It was reported that Chick said "I'm sorry. I gotta go", closed his eyes and died. 30 years old.

After Webb's death, the band became briefly (2 years), the Ella Fitzgerald Orch. Ella tried desperately to hold the orchestra together, but by 1942, Ella was out on her own, and the Chick Webb Orchestra was a part of Swing History.

   [ Julie Wintz Orchestra ]
The band was home-based in New York city, and recorded under such names as "Julie Wintz and His Mayflower Orchestra", and "Julie Wintz and his Hofbrau Orchestra". Listen to "Julie Wintz and his Hofbrau Orch." playing "Magnolia", (Recorded June 3, 1927. Harmony 438-H), 439KB. (DeSylva-Brown-Henderson composition), . Digitally edited and presented in .ogg audio format.

The band was also known as "Julie Wintz and His Village Barn Orchestra" when it appeared at the New York city club of the same name. Mr. Louis Mandakis has graciously sent this photo of a typical Noisemaker used at the club during various festivities (including New Years Eve parties), .