AUTOGRAPHS KAY KYSER DORSEY EDDY ++ Big Band Orchestra Leaders album page signed

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Seller: memorabilia111 ✉️ (808) 100%, Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan, US, Ships to: US & many other countries, Item: 176270372864 AUTOGRAPHS KAY KYSER DORSEY EDDY ++ Big Band Orchestra Leaders album page signed. LOT OF FIVE INDIVIDUAL INK AND PENCIL SIGNATURES ON SEPARATE ALBUM PAGES OR SLIPS. SIGNATURE OF JIMMY DORSEY AND SIGNATURES OF KAY KYSER, BOB EBERLY, NELSON EDDY AND JAN GARBER. IN FINE CONDITION WITH SOME SLIGHT SOILING AND CREASING TO DORSEY.
James Dorsey (February 29, 1904 – June 12, 1957) was an American jazz clarinetist, saxophonist, composer and big band leader. He was known as "JD". He recorded and composed the jazz and pop standards "I'm Glad There Is You (In This World of Ordinary People)" and "It's The Dreamer In Me". His other major recordings were "Tailspin", "John Silver", "So Many Times", "Amapola", "Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)", "Pennies from Heaven" with Bing Crosby, Louis Armstrong, and Frances Langford, "Grand Central Getaway", and "So Rare". He played clarinet on the seminal jazz standards "Singin' the Blues" in 1927 and the original 1930 recording of "Georgia on My Mind", both inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Contents 1 Overview 2 Career 3 Movie appearances 4 Compositions 5 Number-one hits 6 Honors 7 Loss of materials 8 Partial filmography 9 V-Disc recordings 10 Grammy Hall of Fame 11 References 11.1 Sources 12 External links Overview Jimmy Dorsey was born in Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, United States, the son of a coal miner turned music teacher, and older brother of Tommy Dorsey who also became a prominent musician. He played trumpet in his youth, appearing on stage with J. Carson McGee's King Trumpeters in 1913.[1] He switched to alto saxophone in 1915, and then learned to double on clarinet. Jimmy Dorsey played on a clarinet outfitted with the Albert system of fingering, as opposed to the more common Boehm system used by most of his contemporaries including Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.[2] With his brother Tommy playing trombone, he formed Dorsey's Novelty Six, one of the first jazz bands to broadcast. In 1924 he joined the California Ramblers (who were based in New York City). He did much freelance radio and recording work throughout the 1920s. In 1924 he married Jane Porter.[3] The brothers also appeared as session musicians on many jazz recordings. He joined Ted Lewis's band in 1930, with whom he toured Europe.[2] After returning to the United States, he worked briefly with Rudy Vallee and several other bandleaders, in addition to the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra with Tommy. He appeared on at least seventy-five radio broadcasts (many with his brother), as a member of Nathaniel Shilkret's orchestra on programs such as the 1932 program, "The Music That Satisfies," also known as the Chesterfield Quarter Hour. Future bandleader Glenn Miller was a member of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra in 1934 and 1935, composing "Annie's Cousin Fanny",[4] "Tomorrow's Another Day", "Harlem Chapel Chimes", and "Dese Dem Dose", all recorded for Decca,[5] for the band. Tommy left the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra to form his own band in 1935 after a musical dispute with Jimmy.[1] The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra became the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, and included musicians such as Bobby Byrne, Ray McKinley, Donald Matteson and Skeets Herfurt along with vocalists Bob Eberly and Kay Weber.[2] In 1939 Jimmy hired Helen O'Connell as his female singer.[6] She and Eberly possessed a "boy and girl next door" charm and their pairing produced several of the band's biggest hits. Many of the Eberly-O'Connell recordings were arranged in an unusual 3-section "a-b-c" format. The three-part format was reportedly developed at the insistence of a record producer (then called an A&R executive) who wanted to feature both singers and the full band in a single 3-minute 78 rpm recording. Eberly sang the first minute, usually as a slow romantic ballad, the next minute featured the full band backing Jimmy's saxophone, and the last minute was sung by O'Connell in a more up-tempo style, sometimes with lyrics in Spanish.[2] Kitty Kallen sang with the Jimmy Dorsey orchestra following Helen O'Connell's departure in 1942.[7]Jerry Lewis' first wife Patti Palmer (birth name Esther Calonico) was a singer with his orchestra for less than a year, starting about 1944.[8] Jimmy Dorsey playing alto saxophone in The Fabulous Dorseys (1947) Jimmy continued leading his own band until the early 1950s. In 1949 he and Jane Porter were divorced. In 1953 he joined Tommy's Orchestra, renamed "Tommy Dorsey and his Orch. featuring Jimmy Dorsey". On December 26, 1953, the brothers and their orchestra appeared on Jackie Gleason's CBS television program.[9] The success of that television appearance led Gleason to produce a weekly variety program, Stage Show, hosted by the brothers on CBS from 1954 to 1956. Elvis Presley appeared on six of the telecasts.[10] These were Presley's first appearances on national TV.[10] Jimmy took over leadership of the orchestra after Tommy's death. Jimmy survived his brother by only a few months and died of throat cancer, aged 53, in New York City. Broadcasts of Jimmy Dorsey and The Fabulous Dorsey Orchestra on NBC Bandstand survive from December 25, and December 31, 1956.[11] At least two other extant broadcasts from the month of December 1956 are available as well. Recordings of the band from their winter 1957 tour have not surfaced. These recordings would provide the last aural evidence of Jimmy Dorsey's work. It is thought that Dorsey's last appearance was in Joplin, Missouri, on March 12, 1957.[11] Shortly before his death, he was awarded a gold record for "So Rare" which was recorded on November 11, 1956. It reached the number-two spot on the Billboard charts, becoming the highest charting song by a big band during the first decade of the rock-and-roll era. Jimmy Dorsey is considered one of the most important and influential alto saxophone players of the Big Band and Swing era,[12] and also after that era. Jazz saxophonists Lester Young and Charlie Parker both acknowledge him as an important influence on their styles.[13] Career During his early days as a musician, Jimmy Dorsey performed with various other ensembles and artists including the Scranton Sirens, The California Ramblers, Red Nichols, Jean Goldkette, Frankie Trumbauer, Ben Pollack, and Paul Whiteman. He played the clarinet solo on the iconic 1927 jazz standard "Singin' the Blues" with the Frankie Trumbauer Orchestra featuring Bix Beiderbecke. This recording was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1977. He and his younger brother Tommy formed several bands known as "The Dorsey Brothers Orchestra" during the late 1920s and early 1930s which suddenly ended in May 1935, when Tommy stormed off the bandstand after an onstage argument. For several months, Jimmy continued leading the band, keeping the Dorsey Brothers name, hoping that his younger brother would return. In September 1935, the Dorsey Brothers band legally became the "Jim Dorsey Orchestra", after Jimmy found out that Tommy Dorsey now had his own band, and had signed a recording contract with RCA Victor. Jimmy Dorsey remained with Decca Records as the two brothers were now competing with each other musically. He played clarinet on the iconic jazz standard "Georgia on My Mind" in 1930 with Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra which featured Bix Beiderbecke on cornet. Jimmy Dorsey's first hit record was "You Let Me Down" in 1935. His early band was considered to be more jazz-oriented than his brother's, and recordings of some instrumental swing classics soon followed: Dorsey Stomp, Tap Dancer's Nightmare, Parade of the Milk Bottle Caps, John Silver, and Dusk in Upper Sandusky. The band was featured on 73[14] of Bing Crosby's Kraft Music Hall radio shows from December 1935 to July 1937 and also backed Crosby on his commercial recordings in the same period. In 1936, Bing Crosby released the single "Pennies from Heaven" recorded with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra on Decca Records. Dorsey left Crosby to concentrate on his own career[15] and he did well commercially, although being overshadowed by Benny Goodman, (also a clarinetist), whose big band had grabbed center stage in the mid thirties. Dorsey's main vocalist was Bob Eberly, considered to be the best in the music business, and in 1939, Helen O'Connell joined the band, and the idea to have them perform duets proved to be highly successful. Almost every record released during 1939–1943 were hits, but especially records made with a Latin American flavor like "Amapola", "Maria Elena", and "Green Eyes", which topped the charts in 1941. They continued singing with his band for future records and motion picture appearances. Despite personnel changes, Jimmy remained one of the top big band leaders after World War II and into the 1950s, always updating the sound of his band, but the big band business was beginning to decline. Tommy (left) and Jimmy Dorsey in 1955 Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey reunited on March 15, 1945, to record a V-Disc at Liederkranz Hall in New York City. Released in June 1945, V-Disc 451 featured "More Than You Know" backed with "Brotherly Jump". The songs featured the combined orchestras of Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey. In 1953, he and his brother reunited to form a (new) "Dorsey Brothers Orchestra." Tommy was the leader of the group, making Jimmy the co-leader and featured soloist. In 1954, comedian Jackie Gleason chose them and their band as the summer replacement hosts for his weekly CBS Television variety series. The program, Stage Show, was a hit and returned in the fall of 1955 for a full season giving other big band leaders hope in a business that was steadily declining. Rock music history was made on Stage Show in January 1956 with the network television debut of Elvis Presley. Presley, promoting his early recordings for RCA Victor, made a total of six guest appearances. Competitive ratings from NBC's popular Perry Como Show forced Stage Show into an early cancellation. The Dorsey brothers' deaths (Tommy choked to death in his sleep in 1956 and Jimmy died from cancer in 1957) brought an end to the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra. At the time of his death on June 12, 1957, Jimmy's final hit song, "So Rare", was in 2nd place on the music charts. Though he'd recorded the song years earlier, with an arrangement heavily influenced by R&B saxophonist Earl Bostic, it marked Dorsey's attempt to acknowledge rock music and marked a significant departure from his earlier work. This final recording sold 500,000 copies and earned him a gold record.[16] On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[17] Movie appearances Dorsey appeared in a number of Hollywood motion pictures, including That Girl From Paris, Shall We Dance, The Fleet's In, Lost in a Harem with Abbot and Costello, I Dood It, and the bio-pic with his brother Tommy, The Fabulous Dorseys in 1947. In 1938, Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra also appeared in a movie short performing many of his hits including "It's the Dreamer in Me", "I Love You in Technicolor", and "Parade of the Milk Bottle Caps". Compositions Dorsey composed "Mood Hollywood", "Shim Sham Shimmy", "So Many Times", which reached no. 20 in 1939 on Billboard, staying on the charts for one week,[18] also recorded by Glenn Miller and his Orchestra and Jack Teagarden and his Orchestra, "Beebe", "Oodles of Noodles", "John Silver" with Ray Krise, which reached no. 13 on Billboard in 1938, staying on the charts for 2 weeks, "Parade of the Milk Bottle Caps", "Dusk in Upper Sandusky" with Larry Clinton, "Shoot the Meatballs to Me Dominick Boy" with Toots Camarata, "A Man and his Drums", "Mutiny in the Brass Section", "Praying the Blues", "Contrasts", his theme song; "Major and Minor Stomp", "Hep-Tee Hootie (Juke Box Jive)" with Fud Livingston and Jack Palmer, "I Bought A Wooden Whistle", "Tailspin" with Frankie Trumbauer, the classic jazz standard "I'm Glad There Is You (In This World of Ordinary People)", "Clarinet Polka", "I Love You in Technicolor", "All The Things You Ain't" with Babe Russin, "JD's Boogie Woogie", "Jumpin' Jehosaphat", "I'll Do Anything For You", "Any Time at All", "Two Again", "It's Anybody's Moon", "Dixieland Detour", "Shades of Twilight", "Dorsey Stomp", "Grand Central Getaway" with Dizzy Gillespie, "Sunset Strip" and "The Champ" with Sonny Burke, "Town Hall Tonight", "Outer Drive" with Herb Ellis, the jazz standard "It's the Dreamer in Me" with Jimmy Van Heusen, recorded by Duke Ellington and others. Dorsey co-wrote the jazz and pop standard "(In This World of Ordinary People) I'm Glad There Is You" with Paul Madeira, also known as Paul Mertz, in 1941. Mertz had been a pianist with the Jean Goldkette orchestra in the 1920s and had worked in Hollywood. Sung by Dorsey vocalist Bob Eberly, it was released on Decca as 4197B in 1942.[19] It was also released on Decca 18799A with Dee Parker in 1946. Number-one hits Jimmy Dorsey had eleven number one hits with his orchestra in the 1930s and the 1940s: "Is It True What They Say About Dixie?", "Change Partners", "The Breeze and I", "Amapola", "My Sister and I", "Maria Elena", "Green Eyes", "Blue Champagne",[6] "Tangerine", "Besame Mucho", and "Pennies from Heaven" with Bing Crosby. In 1935, he had two more number ones as part of the Dorsey Brothers Orchestra: "Lullaby of Broadway" and "Chasing Shadows". His biggest hit was "Amapola", which was number one for ten weeks in 1941 on the Billboard pop singles chart. And finally, there was a late hit in 1957, "So Rare", which went to the No. 2 position, and was on the record charts for 26 weeks. Honors In 1983, Jimmy Dorsey was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. He is also a member of the American Jazz Hall of Fame.[citation needed] In 1996, the U.S. Postal Service issued a Jimmy Dorsey and Tommy Dorsey commemorative postage stamp.[citation needed] In 2008, the Recording Academy added the 1942 recording of "Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)", Decca 18460B, by Jimmy Dorsey & His Orchestra with Bob Eberle and Helen O'Connell on vocals to the Grammy Hall of Fame. He also played on two other recordings which were inducted in the Grammy Hall of Fame, "Singin' the Blues" and "Georgia on My Mind".[citation needed] Loss of materials On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Jimmy Dorsey among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[17] Partial filmography Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra (1938 short) The Fleet's In (1942) I Dood It (1943) Four Jills in a Jeep (1944) Lost in a Harem (1944) The Fabulous Dorseys (1947) V-Disc recordings This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Julia, No. 117A, 1944 Contrast, No. 117A, 1944 John Silver, No. 117B, 1944 That Wonderful, Worrisome Feeling, No. 157A, March 1944 Star Eyes, No. 174A, April 1944 The Champ, No. 195A, May 1944 I'll Do Anything For You, No. 195A, May 1944 The Breeze and I, No. 217B, June 1944 You, You Darlin', No. 217B, June 1944 The Great Lie, No. 283A, No. 63 (Navy), October 1944 Contrasts, No. 314A, November 1944 Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', No. 314A, November 1944 Sunset Strip, No. 326A, December, 1944 Grand Central Getaway, No. 391B, March 1945 All the Things You Ain't, No. 391B, March 1945 Long John Silver, No. 409B, April 1945 More Than You Know, No. 451A (Army); No. 231A (Navy), June 1945, with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra Brotherly Jump, No. 451B, June 1945, with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra Jumpin' Jehosaphat, No. 470B, Jul, 1945; No. 250B (Marines), July 1945 Together, No. 514A, September 1945 King Porter Stomp, No. 514A, September 1945 Hello Forget It, Goodbye, No. 713, December 1946 Grammy Hall of Fame Jimmy Dorsey's recordings were posthumously inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance." Jimmy Dorsey: Grammy Hall of Fame Awards[20] Year Recorded Title Genre Label Year Inducted Notes 1927 "Singin' the Blues" Jazz (single) Okeh 1977 Frankie Trumbauer and His Orchestra featuring Bix Beiderbecke and Eddie Lang 1942 "Brazil (Aquarela do Brasil)" Jazz (single) Decca 2008 1930 "Georgia on My Mind" Single Victor 2014 By Hoagy Carmichael and His Orchestra The older of the two Dorsey brothers was a child prodigy who began his musical career at the age seven playing the slide trumpet and cornet with his father's brass band at local parties. His father was a working class man who wanted a better life for his children and made them study music, diligently. By the time he was 17, Jimmy was playing with the Jean Goldkette band with Bix Beiderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer. During the 1920's the Goldkette Orchestra had broken up, and Jimmy, along with Bix and Trumbauer joined Paul Whiteman's group. Jimmy left Whiteman's group and freelanced around playing with Red Nichols. In 1933 Jimmy and younger brother Tommy formed their famous Dorsey Brothers Orchestra which included drummer Ray McKinley, trombonist Glenn Miller and singer Bob Crosby. By 1935, continued feuding between the two brothers led to a break-up of the band. In 1938 Jimmy participated in some of the infamous Friday afternoon jam sessions at the Park Lane Hotel organized by Eddie Condon which included Pee Wee Russell, Sidney Bechet, Bobby Hackett, Willie "The Lion" Smith, Bud Freeman, Hot Lips Page, Bunny Berigan and Red Allen. Jimmy began a new band which was a commercial success featuring popular singers Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly. In 1953, a few years after the release of the motion picture "The Fabulous Dorseys", Jimmy and Tommy reunited and continued playing together until Tommy's death in 1956. Jimmy continued leading the band until ill-health forced him to retire from music perm James Kern Kyser (June 18, 1905 – July 23, 1985), known as Kay Kyser, was an American bandleader and radio personality of the 1930s and 1940s. Contents 1 Early years 2 Career 2.1 Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge 2.2 Big band era 2.3 Movies 2.4 Television 2.5 Radio (non-musical) 3 Personal life 4 Family 5 Death 6 Legacy 7 Noted sidemen 8 References 9 Listen to 10 External links Early years This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) James Kern Kyser was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the son of pharmacists Emily Royster (née Howell) and Paul Bynum Kyser. Journalist and newspaper editor Vermont C. Royster was his cousin. Kyser graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also senior class president. Owing to his popularity and enthusiasm as a cheerleader, he was invited by Hal Kemp to take over as bandleader when Kemp ventured north to further his career. He began taking clarinet lessons but was better as an entertaining announcer than a musician. He adopted the initial of his middle name as part of his stage name, for its alliterative effect.[1] Career This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Kay Kyser" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (February 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge See main article, Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge. Kyser as the "Ol' Perfessor" in 1942 Long before his national success, Kyser recorded two sessions for Victor in the late 1920s (Camden, New Jersey in November 1928 and Chicago in early 1929). These were issued on Victor's V-40000 series devoted to country music and regional dance bands. Following graduation, Kyser and his band, which included Sully Mason on saxophone and arranger George Duning,[1] toured Midwest restaurants and night clubs and gradually built a following. They were popular at Chicago's Blackhawk restaurant, where Kyser came up with an act combining a quiz with music which became "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge."[2] The act was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System in 1938 and then moved to NBC Radio from 1939 to 1949. The show rose in the ratings and spawned many imitators. Kyser led the band as "The Ol' Perfessor," spouting catchphrases, some with a degree of Southern American English terms: "That's right—you're wrong", "Evenin' folks, how y'all?" and "C'mon, chillun! Le's dance!" Big band era Although Kyser and his orchestra gained fame through the "Kollege of Musical Knowledge,"[3] they were a successful band in their own right. They had 11 number one records, including some of the most popular songs of the late 1930s and early 1940s. Unlike most other big bands of the era, which centered on only the bandleader, individual members of Kyser's band became stars in their own right and would often receive the spotlight. Some of the more popular members included vocalist Harry Babbitt, cornetist Merwyn Bogue (a.k.a. Ish Kabibble), trombonist Bruce King, saxophonist Jack Martin (who sang lead vocal on the number one hit, "Strip Polka"), Ginny Simms (who had her own successful acting and singing career after leaving Kyser's band), Sully Mason, Mike Douglas (years before he became a popular TV talk show host) and Georgia Carroll. Carroll, a blond fashion model and actress whose best-known role was Betsy Ross in Yankee Doodle Dandy, was dubbed "Gorgeous Georgia Carroll" when she joined the group in 1943. Within a year, she and Kyser married. Kyser was also known for singing song titles, a device copied by Sammy Kaye and Blue Barron. When the song began, one of the band's lead singers (usually Babbitt) sang the title phrase, and then the first verse or two of the song was performed instrumentally before the lyrics resumed. Several of his recordings spawned catch phrases, such as "Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition". His group had a major hit with the novelty tune, "Three Little Fishes". It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.[4] During the Swing Era, Kyser, Hal Kemp and Tal Henry often performed in or near New York City, making possible a reunion of North Carolina musicians. Later, after retirement, Kyser and Henry got together to share music world memories.[citation needed] Movies During the late 1930s and early 1940s, Kyser's band appeared in several motion pictures, usually as themselves, beginning with the successful That's Right - You're Wrong (1939), You'll Find Out (1940), Playmates and My Favorite Spy. Some of the films built a plot around the band. Around the World (1943) fictionalized the band's international tours of military camps. In Carolina Blues (1944), Kyser has to replace his lead singer (Carroll) who has run off to get married. Caught in a jam, he reluctantly hires the daughter of a powerful defense plant owner, played by Ann Miller. Two of the band's best-known performance appearances were in 1943 when they appeared in the wartime films Stage Door Canteen and Thousands Cheer. Kyser appeared as a light comedian; he acted with (and was billed above) John Barrymore in John Barrymore's final film Playmates (1941). Kyser is the dupe in a scam where Barrymore pretends to teach him how to act in Shakespearean drama.[citation needed] Kyser also appeared in a Porky Pig cartoon, Africa Squeaks (1940). In the cartoon, he voiced a caricature of himself called "Cake-Icer," at the request of director Bob Clampett.[5] After the war, Kyser's band continued to record hit records, including two featuring Jane Russell as vocalist. It's All Up to You features vocals by Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore, although Kyser's participation in this recording is disputed, record label showing Axel Stordahl as conductor. Kyser had intended to retire following the end of the war, but performance and recording contracts kept him in show business for another half decade.[6] During this time, Kyser made a cameo appearance in a Batman comic book. Kyser was first to introduce the new sonic audio process called the 'sonovox', a singing electronic voice triggered by music. The Sonovox would be used by Jingle Companies such as PAMS and JAM Creative Productions, and said jingles would be used in heavy rotation by rock radio stations such as WABC, WMEX, WXYZ, KONO, WKDA, and WHTZ.[citation needed] Television In 1949 and 1950, "Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge" aired on NBC-TV. In addition to Kyser, the TV show featured Ish Kabibble and vocalists Mike Douglas, Sue Bennett and Liza Palmer, plus The Honeydreamers vocal group and the dance team of Diane Sinclair and Ken Spaulding. Ben Grauer was the announcer during the first season. Always the businessman, Kyser reunited his band especially for this series and just as quickly disbanded it when the show ended. After a four-year hiatus, the "Kollege of Musical Knowledge" was revived by Tennessee Ernie Ford, prior to the launching of his own NBC program, The Ford Show, which ran from 1956-61. Radio (non-musical) Kyser and Ginny Simms co-starred in "Niagara to Reno" (described as "an original comedy") on CBS radio's Silver Theater April 6, 1941.[7] Personal life Kyser converted to the Church of Christ, Scientist sometime between 1944 and 1946, despite the fact his mother had been the first female pharmacist in his home county. Nevertheless, he had become interested in Christian Science when conventional medicine did not relieve his problems with arthritis. It was this arthritis which is often cited as one of the reasons he retired from performing in 1950. In the 1970s, Kyser ran the film and television department of the Christian Science Church in Boston. In 1983, he became its President, a one-year position. He referred to it as "honorary", joking that he hadn't "been elected Pope or anything".[6] In the early 1960s, several members of the Kay Kyser team (including Kabibble and Simms but not Kyser himself) reunited to record an album of new versions of Kyser's greatest hits. Family Kyser and Georgia Carroll remained married until his death. They had three children.[citation needed] Death Kyser died of a heart attack in Chapel Hill, North Carolina on July 23, 1985. He was buried at Old Chapel Hill Cemetery in Chapel Hill. Legacy Kyser was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 1999.[8] The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is custodian of a large archive of documents and material about Kyser which was donated by his widow and made available to the public on April 8, 2008.[9] His version of the song, "Jingle Jangle Jingle", was featured in the 2010 Role-playing video game Fallout: New Vegas. Noted sidemen Noni Bernardi (1911–2006), big-band musician and member of the Los Angeles City Council Excerpt from Kyser article by Steven Beasley published in BACK IN THE MOOD magazine Move over, BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY... the "Ol' Professor", Kay Kyser is BACK! He was one of the most outrageous, over the top performers of the whole swing era. From the late 30s to the late 40s he was the physical embodiment of the word success, with eleven #1 records and thirty-five top tens! He starred in seven feature films with such co-stars as Lucille Ball, John Barrymore, Karloff, Lugosi, Lorre. Kyser kept his radio show, Kay Kyser's Kollege of Musical Knowledge in the top ten for eleven years on NBC, yet if you ask the average swing fan about him today, they'll likely reply, "Kay Kyser. Who's she?" You see, Kay Kyser disappeared from the general public in 1950. Quit. Went home. Never came back. Made his million, then left without even making an announcement. In contrast to his zany character onstage, he was equally as serious off. "As exuberant as he was while performing, at a party you couldn't get him aroused..." said KK orchestra singer, "Handsome" Harry Babbitt to this writer in a 1995 interview for the upcoming 1 hour TV retrospective on Kay & the band, KAY KYSER- the OL' PROFESSOR of SWING! "But those were magic days..." says Babbitt who, along with Sully Mason, Ginny Simms, Ish Kabibble (real name Merwyn Bogue) helped make the Kyser band a solid, first-rate performing unit. The duets Babbitt performed w/ Simms were "like buttah", whether they were beautiful ballads like YOU & I or spoofing Romeo & Juliet in WAY BACK IN 1939 A.D. THIS band was secure enough to be downright silly, something the Millers and Goodmans would never have done. But for any detractors, let it be known that the silliness was ONE side of this incrediby gifted bunch of people whom KK guitarist/composer Roc Hillman called a "functional family.""Everyone got along, and it was happy times all the time," says Roc. "Kay believed if HE didn't have fun- no one had fun." One can't forget the enormous contributions of arranger/ composer George Duning, who gave the band its sound, and eventually went on to score many well known films. Ish, Kay and Ginny cutting up in their Hollywood heyday. Kay and Ginny on the cover of "Radio Guide". But back to our story. Kyser's sudden, unannounced retirement from showbiz has to be a contributing factor in his nearly forgotten music career. Georgia Carroll Kyser, widow of Kay, and former singer with the Kyser band, spoke to me in the North Carolina home she and Kay shared for many years. "I really admired the clean break he made (from show business), although in looking back now, if he'd stayed in touch with the public a little bit he'd be more alive today in people's minds." As mentioned before, today's rejuvenated swing scenesters may not know the Kyser name, but mention it to someone over 65 and their eyes light up.( Trust me, I do this in public places for fun.) They say, "Oh! Whatever happened to him? I remember seeing him at (fill in the blank) when I was in my teens! What about Ish Kabibble?" The questions pour forth, as if I had asked about an old "Kollege" friend. Here's a Kay Kyser timeline: Enjoy! 1905 - June 18th, born James Kern Kyser in Rocky Mount, N.C.. to P.B. and Emily Kyser. One of six siblings. Emily was 1st registered female pharmacist in state. 1926-27 - UNC bandleader Hal Kemp persuades James, UNC cheerleader and producer of the college plays, to take over as bandleader when Kemp heads north for fame & fortune. James decides his middle initial will serve as a snappy stage name, and Kay Kyser is born. The original 6 members included sax player-vocalist Sully Mason. The band limps along, helped by Kay’s cheerleading-style showmanship. George Duning joins as arranger. 1928-33 - Kay graduates UNC,takes band on road, has plenty of rough times, records several sides for Victor that go nowhere. Ish joins in ‘31. 1934-36 -Hal Kemp recommends the Kay Kyser Orchestra to manager of The Blackhawk club in Chicago. With steady gig, Kay can afford girl singer, hires Ginny Simms. The band does well and scores contract w/ Brunswick in spring of ‘35. Among recordings is theme song,”Thinking of You” with vocalist Bill “Smilin” Stoker. “Singing song titles” appear.Song title is sung at intro, Kay announces vocalist (“And now, heah’s handsome Harreh Babbitt!!...). 1937-38 -Stoker leaves band in early ‘37, Harry Babbitt joins as lead male vocalist, duties shared w/ Sully Mason, and occasionally, Ish. Late ‘37 the “Kollege” concept is born to liven up slow Monday nights at the Blackhawk.. Originally called Kay’s Klass, it was an amateur night interspersed w/ questions from Kay to the contestants to relax them. Rumor has it that the “classroom” setting was brainchild of Kyser’s young agent, Lew Wasserman. In February, the Mutual Broadcasting System aired the show regionally, then Lucky Strike bought it and moved it to New York City. First New York show airs March 30th, 1938 on NBC. Sully comes up with the name, Kollege of Musical Knowledge and Kay is “The Ol’ Professor”. The format is music related quiz with songs and comedy. Incidentally, it’s a smash hit from coast to coast, developing a weekly audience of 20 million listeners. “Diplomas” are mailed to listeners sending in quiz questions used on-air. 1939-40 - Kyser orchestra opens at Catalina Island casino, completes first film for RKO in Hollywood, That’s Right-You’re Wrong, co- starring Lucille Ball and Adolphe Menjou. Plays Gone With The Wind premiere in Atlanta, records multi-million seller, Three Little Fishes for Brunswick parent company, Columbia. 1940 sees the band at the top of the charts continually (as in ‘39), and 2nd film You’ll Find Out opens in late ‘40, with guest appearances on radio show by Kay’s 3 costars, Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi, and Peter Lorre. 1941-43 -War declared in Dec. ‘41. History is made when Kyser becomes first to perform at camp shows for military personnel (before Hope!) at San Diego marine base , Feb.26, ‘41. Makes film short, Hedda Hopper’s Hollywood, 3rd film Playmates with John Barrymore & Lupe Velez in late ‘41. Ginny Simms leaves band in the fall of ‘41, replaced by Trudy Erwin. In ‘42 band makes film #4, My Favorite Spy w/ Jane Wyman & Ellen Drew. Several KK players get drafted. Band bus fire in April, ‘42 takes 15 years worth of arrangements. When band reappears, gone are the singing song titles and newer, updated style begins. Kay vows to work no commercial gigs ‘till war over (except those booked previously), just radio show, service shows, and movies. Kay’s instrumental in helping the Hollywood Canteen get started w/ Bette Davis and John Garfield. Vocalist and future wife Georgia Carroll joins band early ‘43. Band makes brief appearances in films Stage Door Canteen and Thousands Cheer. Last RKO film, Around the World w/ Joan Davis. Various singers are added: Dorothy Dunn, Julie Conway, Diane Pendleton. KK film #5 for MGM, Swing Fever w/ Marilyn Maxwell is released. They hadn’t a clue what to do with Kay. Hollywood Cavalcade bond tour begins, w/ cross-country train trek starring the biggest H’wood stars. Kay is mc, band backs up stars (there’s some stories here, folks). 1944-46 - War continues to change the band. Last film, Carolina Blues is released. Harry Babbitt joins navy in may of ‘44. Kay and Georgia marry in June. Phil Harris subs for Kay when he and Ish go to pacific region. Don Leslie first replaces Babbitt, then future talk host Michael Douglas. Douglas has several hits w/ band. Kay begins to have serious trouble in feet with arthritic-type condition. Seeks help, but none found.. Turns to Christian Science to find relief. Kay begins fund-raising for several projects, including North Carolina Good Health campaign. Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore donate their voices to It’s All Up To You, song to benefit N.C. good health plan. Jane Russell cuts 2 songs w/ the band (no one seems to know why!). Harry Babbitt returns from navy, replacing Douglas. Vocalist Dolly Mitchell joins. War ends, Kay wants to retire, but contracts prevent it. 1947-49 - Band continues to have hits, but Kay’s participation is limited. He’s more interested in philanthropic deeds, helping build wing onto St. John’s hospital in Santa Monica. In gratitude they place Kyser portrait at entrance to medical library. Vocalist Gloria Wood is added. Babbitt leaves band for solo career. Kay fights alongside Batman and Robin in comic book (!!). After 11 years, Kay ends “Kollege” radio show, and tries to retire again, but is talked into doing 1 year (2 seasons) of “Kollege” show on NBC-TV for Ford Motor Co., (Dec.’49-Dec.’50). 1950-85 - In December Ford cancels tv show even though in top 10, reportedly because Mrs. Ford didn’t care for the silly humor. It’s eventually hosted by deadly serious “Tennessee” Ernie Ford. Kyser gladly uses this opportunity to retire with no announcement and no fanfare. He just disappears from public life. Moves family (wife Georgia and eventually 3 daughters) home to North Carolina. Turns down offer after offer for appearances, interviews, photos. Continues his Christian Science studies and North Carolina public service, helping bring educational tv ( now Public Television) to his home state. In the 70s, Kay worked for his church in Boston, running the tv-film dept. Became teacher and lecturer in late 70s-early 80s, traveling on the lecture circuit. Would grant radio interviews discussing band days in return for lecture appearance promotion. In 1983, Kay was named President of the Worldwide Church of CS. When asked about it by news reporters, the Kyser humor came alive: “It’s an honorary title. I haven’t been elected Pope or anything...” An elder Kay with his daughter Amanda, and early co-star, Lucille Ball Kay Kyser died of heart failure at his office on July 23, 1985. He was 80. To the end, his selflessness, humor and charm were with him. Like his theme song in the big band days, he always seemed to be Thinking of You. This timeline is basically accurate, though several dates may not be entirely chronological. Some parts excerpted from published articles written by Steven Beasley, writer/producer of in-progress documentary, Kay Kyser-the Ol’ Professor of Swing!, And Kyser historian. Some Kyser cds and films are available through special order. Put ‘em on and C’mon chillen, yess’dance!!! So long, evahbody! (Kyser sign-off) an Garber (born Jacob Charles Garber, November 5, 1894 – October 5, 1977) was an American violinist and jazz bandleader. Contents 1 Biography 2 Radio 3 Band members 4 Family 5 Discography 5.1 Singles 6 References 7 External links Biography Garber was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. He had his own band by the time he was 21. He became known as "The Idol of the Airwaves" in his heyday of the 1920s and 1930s, playing jazz in the vein of contemporaries such as Guy Lombardo. Garber played violin with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra after World War I and formed the Garber-Davis Orchestra with pianist Milton Davis from 1921–1924. After parting with Davis, he formed his own orchestra, playing both "sweet" and "hot" 1920s dance music. He was hit hard by the Great Depression, and in the 1930s he refashioned his ensemble into a big band and recorded a string of successful records for Victor. During World War II, Garber began playing swing jazz, a rather unexpected turn; his arranger during this time was Gray Rains and his vocalist was Liz Tilton. The recording restrictions in America during the war eventually made his ensemble unfeasible, and he returned to "sweet" music after the war, continuing to lead ensembles until 1971. His last show was in Houston. Garber died in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1977.[1] He started his first band, a quartet, in 1918, and played violin in it. During the 1920s he formed the Garber-Davis Orchestra in Atlanta with pianist Milton Davis, playing mostly in the southern U.S. In 1927 he moved the band to Chicago and met Canadian bandleader and saxophonist Freddie Large. He took over Large's band, playing violin as leader, and played in Chicago and the midwest. While performing at the Trianon he received national attention when the shows were broadcast live over radio. An announcer called Garber "The Idol of the Airwaves".[2] He signed with Decca and toured on the West Coast of the U.S., playing Catalina Island. In 1942, he departed from Guy Lombardo–type music and began a swing band, but after three years the band was an expensive failure and he retired for a short time. When he returned to music, he played again with Large and with Larry Owen, who had written arrangements for Lombardo. In the 1950s, he and his wife Dorothy moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was born. His band was voted No. 1 Dance Band in 1959 by the Ballroom Operators of America. He retired in his seventies and died in a hospital in Shreveport on October 5, 1977.[2] His sidemen included Chelsea Quealey, Al Powers, Benny Davis, Bill Hearn, Bill Kleeb, Bill Oblak, Charlie Ford, Don Korinek, Don Shoup, Doug Roe, Ernie Mathias, Frank Bettencourt, Frank MacCauley, Freddie Large, Fritz Heilbron, Harlod Peppie, Harry Goldfield, Jack Barrow, Jack Motch, Jerry Large, Joe Rhodes, Lew Palmer, Memo Bernabei, Norman Donahue, Paul Weirick, Rudy Rudisill, Russ Brown, Ted Bowman, Tony Briglia, Vince Di Bari, and Walter Moore.[2] He performed with vocalists Liz Tilton, Allan Copeland, Bob Allen, Bob Grabeau, Deanna St. Clair, Debby Claire, Dorothy Cordray, Fritz Helbron, Janis Garber, Judy Randall, Larry Dean, Lee Bennett, Marv Nielsen, Roy Cordell, Thelma Grace, Tim Reardon, Tommy Traynor, Tony Allen, and Virginia Hamilton.[2] Radio Called the "Idol of the Airwaves," Garber was active on radio in the 1920s and 1930s. The table below shows some of his broadcasting activities.[3] Year Group's Name Station or Network 1922 Garber's Swiss Garden Orchestra WLW 1926 Jan Garber and His Musical Clowns WLW 1929 Jan Garber and His Musical Clowns WABC (CBS) 1933 Jan Garber Orchestra NBC 1934 Jan Garber Orchestra KLRA 1935-36 Jan Garber Orchestra WOR 1939 Jan Garber Orchestra Mutual Garber also had a 15-minute, five-days-a-week radio program, the Jan Garber Show. It was distributed by Capitol Transcriptions.[4] He appeared numerous times on the Burns and Allen radio show.[1] Band members Frank Bettencourt (trombone, conductor & arranger) Steve Brooks (singer) Verne Byers (bass) Don Cherry (singer) Bob Davis (singer) Janis Garber (daughter/singer; aka Kitty Thomas) Jack Gifford (singer) Thelma Gracen (singer) Bob Hames (guitar) Gardner Hitchcock (drums) Loren Holding (saxophone) Freddie Large (saxophone, from 1932) Frank Macauley (bass, from 1934) Julio Maro (singer) Douglas Roe (piano) Julie Vernon (singer) Family Garber moved with his family from Indianapolis to Louisville, Kentucky, when he was three months old, and lived there until he was 13. The family then moved to a small town near Philadelphia. He was the tenth of 12 children.[5] Garber studied violin at Combs Conservatory in Philadelphia. Discography 1956 Satin Touch (Ridgeway) 1957 Dance at Home (Decca) 1959 Music from the Blue Room (Decca) 1960 Christmas Dance Party (Decca) 1961 Dance Program (Decca) 1961 Dance to the Songs Everybody Knows (Decca) 1961 Street of Dreams (Decca) 1961 Jan Garber in Danceland (Decca) 1961 Everybody Dance (Decca) 1961 You Stepped Out of a Dream (Decca) 1961 College Medleys (Capitol) 1962 Golden Waltzes from the Blue Room (MCA) 1962 College Songs Everybody Knows (Decca) 1962 Melodies and Memories (Decca) 1964 They're Playing Our Song (Decca) 1965 Dance to the Country Hits (Decca) 1966 The Shadow of Your Smile (Decca) 1968 Dancing Happy (Decca) 1973 Moods (Coral) 1978 The Uncollected Jan Garber and His Orchestra 1939–1941 (Hindsight) 1980 The Uncollected Vol. 2 1946–1947 (Hindsight) 1981 The Great American Dance Bands (Insight) 1984 The Uncollected Jan Garber and His Orchestra Vol. 3 1946–1947 (Hindsight) 1987 The Uncollected 1946-1947 Volume 4 Singles 1947 "Dinah" (Capitol)[6] 1947 "Confidentially" (Capitol)[7] Born: November 5, 1894 Indianapolis, IN Died: October 5, 1977 Shreveport, LA Theme Songs: "My Dear" "Mexicali Rose" Jan Garber "At 76, the Idol Rolls Along" by Con Good If 76 years seems like a long-overdue retirement age, don't tell it to the Jan Garber Orchestra. That's saying a lot. And it's good news to dancers throughout the nation. Reason: good music! It's been that way since 1918, when the diminutive, effervescent Mr. Garber - fresh from Philadelphia's Combs Conservatory Of Music and World War I Army service - launched a band leading career that spanned more than six decades. Jan Garber began his extended career on America's bandstands as a modest quartet (including his own violin) following World War I. It later emerged as a full-fledged 'hot band' in the 1920s; a 'sweet' band in the early 1930s through the early 1940s; a 'swing' band during World War II; and back to the 'sweet' style permanently in late 1945. Jan's greatest popularity surfaced in early 1933, shortly after he took over leadership of the 'Little Freddie Large Orchestra' from Canada. With Freddie's unique lead alto saxophone captivating radio listeners from Cincinnati to Catalina Island, the Garber Band - with a sound like Lombardo but lots peppier - became an overnight sensation at Chicago's famed Trianon Ballroom. A year later, it was solidly entrenched among the most popular dance groups in the entire country. Prominent in this emergence were the imaginative musical arrangements of pianist Doug Roe; the singing of Nebraska native Lee Bennett; and a series of comic skits, special shows and mini-concerts during each dance. The original members of the 'Little Freddie Large Orchestra' are all gone now. But they were greatly surprised, along with most of the nation, when Jan - for reasons never entirely clear but probably linked to his own restless nature and the fast-paced blare of the times - switched styles completely and launched a swinging big band during World War II. The experiment proved a musical success but a financial disaster. Jan mercifully cut his losses, and ended the suffering of his countless 1930s followers, by returning to his familiar 'sweet' style of music in late 1945. Freddie Large returned with him, bringing along Tony Briglia, a fellow Canadian and longtime drummer with the famed Casa Loma Orchestra. Also aiding the cause considerably were trumpeter Bill Kleeb and trombonist/arranger Frank Bettencourt. They had both joined Jan in late 1942, with Frank returning after military service to update and take charge of virtually all the band's musical library in addition to his trombone and part-time piano chores. Kleeb's classic trumpet work became a Garber trademark for the better part of a quarter-century. Memo Bernabei and prewar sideman Al Powers, together with Jo Jo Huffman, rounded out the new reed-section quartet. Jack Barrow, who had also been on the band during the latter 1930s, returned with Bettencourt on trombone, with Ernie Mathias and Vince DiBari joining Kleeb in the expanded trumpet section. Frank McCauley on string bass and pianist Jack Motch, who both helped with arranging, rounded out Jan's new postwar group. During these years, Jan Garber was to become increasingly well known as 'The Idol of The Airlanes.' This was an informal title bestowed by announcer Pierre Andre during one of the band's countless broadcasts on Chicago's WGN Radio. In addition to superior musicians, Jan was blessed with a series of excellent vocalists from the mid-1940s onward. Tommy Traynor and Tim Reardon were early names in the postwar Garber Band, together with Alan Copeland and his 'TwinTones' singing group. Also emerging from the late 1940s were Bob Grabeau; Roy Cordell (called "the best of them all" by Jan's widow, Dorothy); Larry Dean; Julio Maro; and Marv Nielsen. Prominent among Jan's postwar female vocalists were Thelma Gracen, Julie Vernon and Janis Garber-who was billed for a time as 'Kitty Thomas.' Dubbed 'The Mighty Little Maestro Of Modern Melody' during his record-breaking engagements at the Trianon, it was there - during those early 1930s - that Jan's unmatched rapport with dancers and widely-acknowledged mastery of dance tempos began. Over the years, he's been recognized as a pioneer in creating the 'one-night-stand' concept among dance orchestras. Jan Garber probably took his orchestra to more places - and played for more dancers - during his 53 years on the bandstand than any other leader. His popularity extended to both coasts and all points in between. Enthusiastic audiences flocked to hear Jan at such famous hotel locations as the Ambassador's Cocoanut Grove and the Biltmore Bowl in Los Angeles; the Schroeder (now known as the Marc Plaza) in Milwaukee; the Café Rouge of the Statler and the Roosevelt Grill in New York City; and the Blue Room of the Roosevelt in New Orleans. He was also a major attraction at the Hollywood Palladium. The crowds were perhaps less sophisticated in the hinterlands. But when folks across the country gathered from miles around in locations like the Gopher Inn at Libby (Montana) and Wahoo (Nebraska), they formed the foundation to Jan's grassroots greatness. The Garber Band never allowed distance, weather or inconvenience to hinder its permanent rendezvous with America's dancing public. It played in Southern tobacco warehouses and cotton mills in the 1920s; on the vaudeville theater circuit for many years; and added to its basic ballroom exposure via recordings (on nearly a dozen labels); radio; movies; and television. In the 1950s, Garber music became a permanent fixture at a series of gala horse shows in the South and Southwest. Jan's final-year engagements in the Lady Luck Lounge of the Desert Inn made his band one of the most popular attractions in the emerging Las Vegas of the 1960s. That popularity continues today. It was first kept alive by Jan's daughter Janis, who sang with the band for many years and later took it on the road in the early 1970s following her dad's retirement. The Garber Orchestra has remained active ever since, largely under the direction of now-deceased bandleaders Dick Wickman and Ron Harvey. The official record says that Jan Garber passed away on October 5, 1977, just short of his 83rd birthday. But you don't have to believe it if you don't want to. Music of the beloved 'Idol Of The Airlanes' remains alive and well - which would please Jan very much indeed. Robert Eberly (born Robert Eberle, July 24, 1916 – November 17, 1981) was a big band vocalist best known for his association with Jimmy Dorsey and his duets with Helen O'Connell.[1] His younger brother Ray was also a big-band singer, making his name with Glenn Miller and His Orchestra.[2] Biography Eberly was born Robert Eberle but changed the spelling of his surname slightly to the homonymous Eberly. His younger brother Ray was also a big-band singer, most notably with Glenn Miller's orchestra.[2] Their father, John A. Eberle, was a policeman, sign-painter, and tavern-keeper. Another brother, Al, was a Hoosick Falls, New York, village trustee.[3] He recorded the original version of "I'm Glad There Is You" in 1942 with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra on Decca Records. The song became a jazz and pop standard. In 1953, Eberly and Helen O'Connell headlined a summer replacement program for Perry Como's CBS television show. The program also featured Ray Anthony and his orchestra.[4] Eberly was married to Florine Callahan from January 23, 1940 until his death in 1981; the couple had three children; Robert Jr., Kathy and Rene. Robert Jr. went on to sing professionally and although he was talented, he never achieved the popularity of his father which was due, in part, to the changing times and the diminishing nightclub scene. In 1980, Eberly had one lung removed but still continued to sing. He died of a heart attack in 1981 in Glen Burnie, Maryland, at the age of 65.[2] Notable recordings "It's the Dreamer in Me" (with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra; 1938) "Green Eyes" (with Helen O'Connell; 1941) "Tangerine" (with Helen O'Connell; 1941) "I'm Glad There Is You (In a World of Ordinary People)" (with Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra; 1942) "Bésame Mucho" (with Kitty Kallen; 1944) "Love Letters in the Sand (Cartas De Amor En La Arena)" (with Enoch Light & His Orchestra; 1957) Popular singer Bob Eberly spent much of his career with Jimmy Dorsey’s orchestra. In his early days, Eberly, who changed the spelling of his last name from Eberle because the announcer of the Milton Berle radio program kept mispronouncing it, gained prominence by winning Fred Allen’s amateur hour. He began his professional career singing in clubs around his hometown of Hoosick Falls, in upstate New York, where the Dorsey Brothers discovered him and later hired him to replace the departing Bob Crosby. Eberly started work in the spring of 1935, three weeks before Tommy walked out on the orchestra. Having been hired by Tommy, he feared losing his job, but both brothers offered him a position. He chose Jimmy, as Tommy wouldn’t be able to pay him for several weeks until his new band was ready to perform. Eberly stayed with Jimmy for eight years and ranked as one of the top male vocalists of his day, rivaling Bing Crosby and later Frank Sinatra for that title. He placed third in Billboard magazine’s 1940, 1941 and 1942 college polls for best male vocalist, moving up to second in 1943. Well-​liked by his peers, Eberly became best friends and eventually roommates with Jimmy Dorsey. Throughout his career, he was encouraged by many in the industry to strike out on his own, but he refused. He was perfectly happy earning a weekly salary with Dorsey’s group. Most famous are his duets with Helen O’Connell, in whom he also had romantic interest. In December 1943, Eberly’s relationship with Dorsey finally ended when he entered the army and was stationed in the Chicago area with Wayne King’s orchestra. His two years in the service severely hurt his career. After he received his discharge, he signed with Decca and began touring as a solo act, finding though that he had been largely forgotten by the general public. Eberly recorded for the Coral and World labels in the late 1940s before signing to Capitol in 1951, where he was reunited on duets with O’Connell. During the early 1950s, he was a regular on the television program TV’s Top Tunes, but by the middle of the decade he had faded from the public eye. He spent the rest of his career singing mostly in small clubs. In 1980, Eberly had one lung removed but still continued to sing. Frank Sinatra paid for the operation, even though the two singers had never met. Bob Eberly died of a heart attack in 1981. His younger brother, Ray Eberle, sang with Glenn Miller and later led his own band. 
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