George Olsen was born in Portland, Oregon in 1893. George and His Music was the number one band in America in 1926. www.portlandwas.com Video MaCk MCfarland using film from The Nyback Collection www.dennisnybackfilms.com. + Informações

From the 1925 show "Sunny" by Jerome Kern (pictured), Oscar Hammerstein II & Otto Harbach...George Olsen's orchestra was in the pit for the original Broadway run and soon thereafter recorded this version for male trio: WHO? Who stole my heart away, who makes me dream all day? Dreams I know will never come true, seems as though I'll ever be blue... Who means my happiness, who would I answer yes to? Well you oughta guess, who, no one but you!. + Informações

Shortly before the Great Depression an elite group of young white Americans comprised the carefree culture that reigned on university campuses across the country. In racoon coats with school flags held high, these collegiates embraced upbeat big band music and its whimsical lyrics (eg ?She Is The Sweetheart Of Six Other Guys", ?Collegiana", ?Varsity Drag", ?Campus Capers"). Those peppy & supposed-to-be-extremely nonsense'n'happy tunes were performed in dozens by campus bands throughout the country, as well as by the greats like George Olsen, Ted Weems, Hal Kemp, Charles Dornberger. Recording: George Olesen & His Music - Doin' The Raccoon (Music by J. Fred Coots, Text by Raymond Klages), His Master's Voice 1928. + Informações

George Olsen & His Music, v. George Olsen & Bob Borger - Beyond The Blue Horizon (Whiting-Robin), Victor 1930. + Informações

Orchestra George Olsen con ritornello vocale - Who? Fox-trot Dall' operetta "Sunny" (Harback, Hammerstein - Kern), Disco Grammofono, 1925 (Italian) NOTE: See also a VERY HOT version played by Dajos Bela's Tanz-Orchester! www.youtube.com. + Informações

Charted at #4 in 1927. From the musical, "Good News". Written by Lew Brown, Buddy DeSylva and Ray Henderson. B-side is "Good News".. + Informações

George Olsen (March 18,1893 - March 18,1971) was an American band-leader. Born in Portland, Oregon he attended the University of Michigan, where he formed his band, George Olsen and his Music. He made the transition to Broadway, appearing in Kid Boots, the Ziegfeld Follies of 1924, and Good News. George Olsen and his Music were prolific Victor recording artists and their records are among the most numerous found by record collectors today, testifying to their original popularity. He and his orchestra were in Eddie Cantor's 1928 Broadway hit Whoopee!, and in the 1930 movie version. He met a singer, Ethel Shutta, who sings and dances memorably in Whoopee!, and they married, appearing together in nightclubs and on radio. They had two children; following a divorce, Olsen opened a restaurant in New Jersey. In 1936, Olsen became leader of Orville Knapp's band after Knapp died in a plane crash. Olsen was chosen to lead the band by Knapp's widow. Morale problems plagued the group, and in 1938, after many musicians had already left, the group disbanded. Olsen died 1971 in Paramus, New Jersey. George Olsen Orchestra - Always (1926). + Informações

recorded 7/19/1928 vocal credited to Bob Borger, Fran Frey and Bob Rice. + Informações

George Olsen's Music - Sunny, Victor 1925 NOTE: A little drop of sunshine will be good for us in this cold, oh how cold month of May... George, play for us and cheer us up during these cold nights and only a little warmer days.... + Informações

"I'll Never Ask for More" Words and music by Roy Turk and Fred E. Ahlert Performed by George Olsen and His Music Vocal refrain by Bob Borger Recorded January 8, 1929, New York Victor 21855 Personnel: George Olsen - director, drums Floyd Rice - trumpet Bob Borger - trumpet, vocal Jack Fulton - trombone Fran Frey, Edward Joyce, Milton Neul - reeds Erwin McGee - violin Jack Gifford - piano Bob Rice - banjo Jack Hansen - tuba George Olsen (1893 - 1971) was a popular bandleader especially during the 1920s and 1930s. The band featured vocalist-wife Ethel Shutta and male vocalist Fran Frey. Consistent sweet style ideal for hotels. Attended University of Michigan and had a band there. In 1919 led band in Portland, by 1923 well-known on west coast. Work with entertainer Fanny Brice led to stage work for empressario Flo Ziegfeld. First big break in hit Broadway musical "Kid Boots" (1924), later in year Ziegfeld Follies of 1924. In hit musical "Sunny" (1925); 1925 hit record "Who?" from show thereafter associated with Olsen. In hit show "Good News" (1927) and "Whoopee" (1928), early sound movies "Happy Days" and "Whoopee" (1930). Between shows played New York clubs and hotels. Olsen married Ethel Shutta 1926, featured her through the years. Recorded leading show and popular tunes late 1920s and early 1930s. Many radio appearances included Jack Pearl show 1934, Tim and Irene show 1938, own show 1936 featuring wife. In 1930s on west coast. By mid-1930s popularity and recordings waned .... + Informações

George Olsen (March 18,1893 - March 18,1971) was an American band-leader. Born in Portland, Oregon he attended the University of Michigan, where he formed his band, George Olsen and his Music. He made the transition to Broadway, appearing in Kid Boots, the Ziegfeld Follies of 1924, and Good News. George Olsen and his Music were prolific Victor recording artists and their records are among the most numerous found by record collectors today, testifying to their original popularity. He and his orchestra were in Eddie Cantor's 1928 Broadway hit Whoopee!, and in the 1930 movie version. He met a singer, Ethel Shutta, who sings and dances memorably in Whoopee!, and they married, appearing together in nightclubs and on radio. They had two children; following a divorce, Olsen opened a restaurant in New Jersey. In 1936, Olsen became leader of Orville Knapp's band after Knapp died in a plane crash. Olsen was chosen to lead the band by Knapp's widow. Morale problems plagued the group, and in 1938, after many musicians had already left, the group disbanded. Olsen died 1971 in Paramus, New Jersey. George Olsen and his Orchestra - Lullaby Of The Leaves (1932). + Informações

Note: be sure to use the HD 720p option for better sound and picture -- and then click the full frame icon.. + Informações

George Olsen & His Music, Voc. Fran Frey & Bob Borger - Let's Make Up (And Start Our Love Anew), Victor 1926 NOTE: In the slideshow are the photos from prewar Polish film comedies. + Informações

George Olsen & His Music, v. Ethel Schutta - South Sea Rose (Abel Baer), HMV 1929. + Informações

From Big Bands Database: George Olsen's Orchestra was one of the better bands working in the 1920s, Olsen played all over the US Like many others, the band was formed in a University (of Michigan), but unlike the others, this band made it to Broadway and the Big Time, playing in the Theater 'pits' of many musicals. The Band put on a sensational Vaudeville show. The 1926 Olsen Orchestra had such members as George Olsen: violin, Red Pepper:trumpet, Chuck Campbell:trombone, Dick Stable:clarinet and alto sax, Ed Killfeather:piano, Jack Hansen:Tuba, and others unknown. Interestingly, George Olsen was the band on Jack Benny's first radio program for Canada Dry - about 1932. A 1933 recording, "There's a Cabin in the Pines", featured vocalist Lorette Lee. The band featured two great singers in Fran Frey (male) a baritone (ca. 1989, and Ethel Shutta (female), who later became Mrs George Olsen. Ethel was his wife for many years, -from the Ziegfield Broadway show, 'Whoopee' until the late 1930s, when they divorced and she married George Kirksey, a sports writer for NEA. Unfortunately, the band seemed to lose it's spirit and vitality in the 1930s, and disappeared with the coming of the Big Band Swing era. In the mid-1930s, when another bandleader, Orville Knapp, was killed, Olsen took over leadership of the Knapp band, (and added the new 'tag': "The Music of Tomorrow") but he had no good success with it. On May 17, 1940, the Olsen orchestra appeared on the stage of The Lyric Theatre .... + Informações

Vocals by Fran Frey, Bob Borger & Bob Rice. Music & lyrics by Irving Berlin.. + Informações

This is a classic! A nice early batwing electric pressing.. + Informações

Microphone: RCA 4A condenser, mounted on RCA AZ-4090 program stand (1928). Note: be sure to use the HD 720p option for better sound and picture -- and then click the full frame icon.. + Informações

George Olsen and His Music - That's You Baby, Victor 1929. + Informações

First recorded by Gene Austin, who charted #1 with it in July 1926. Also #4 for Nick Lucas in August 1926, #7 for Bennie Krueger and His Orchestra in September 1926, and #11 for Leo Reisman and His Orchestra in September 1926. It has been recorded by hundreds of artists over the years including Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Johnny Mathis, Mitch Miller, Frank Sinatra, Tiny Tim, Mel Torme, Josephine Baker, Peggy Lee, Trini Lopez, Sarah Vaughan, and Georgia Brown. Recorded June 16, 1926. The singers on the vocal refrain are Bob Borger, Fran Frey and Bob Rice. Written by Mort Dixon and Ray Henderson. B-side is "What's the Use of Talking?".. + Informações

Vocals by Bob Borger, Fran Frey & Bob Rice. Words & music by Walter Donaldson.. + Informações

George Olsen's upbeat Victor record of this novelty song from the early talkie era. Written for a Fox film, "High Society Blues", starring Farrell and Gaynor. Following a radio introduction and actual film closeup of George Olsen, his record is heard. Accompanies silent film of stock trading, gambling, ballroom dancing and flapper parties. Roaring twenties pastimes. My video conveys the exciting pre-stock crash mood, though the song came out soon after....when fortunes had been lost and the only things worth trading were shares of "hugs and kisses".Perhaps the most clever song since 'Yes,We Have No Bananas" This was recorded from a 1930 Atwater Kent electrola. You can see it in another video," Art Jarret-You're Not the Same" My thanks to bigband78 for identifying the vocalist, young Fred MacMurray! Yes the same movie star, only years before Hollywood!!. + Informações

Song 1 - George Olsen & His Music - Big City Blues Song 2 - Earl Burtnett and His Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel Orch. - Wedding Of The Painted Doll Song 3 - Orchestre Chez Fysher - Always. + Informações

George Olsen (March 18,1893 - March 18,1971) was an American band-leader. Born in Portland, Oregon he attended the University of Michigan, where he formed his band, George Olsen and his Music. He made the transition to Broadway, appearing in Kid Boots, the Ziegfeld Follies of 1924, and Good News. George Olsen and his Music were prolific Victor recording artists and their records are among the most numerous found by record collectors today, testifying to their original popularity. He and his orchestra were in Eddie Cantor's 1928 Broadway hit Whoopee!, and in the 1930 movie version. He met a singer, Ethel Shutta, who sings and dances memorably in Whoopee!, and they married, appearing together in nightclubs and on radio. They had two children; following a divorce, Olsen opened a restaurant in New Jersey. In 1936, Olsen became leader of Orville Knapp's band after Knapp died in a plane crash. Olsen was chosen to lead the band by Knapp's widow. Morale problems plagued the group, and in 1938, after many musicians had already left, the group disbanded. Olsen died 1971 in Paramus, New Jersey. George Olsen and his Music - The Last Round-Up (1933). + Informações

George Olsen (March 18,1893 - March 18,1971) was an American band-leader. Born in Portland, Oregon he attended the University of Michigan, where he formed his band, George Olsen and his Music. He made the transition to Broadway, appearing in Kid Boots, the Ziegfeld Follies of 1924, and Good News. George Olsen and his Music were prolific Victor recording artists and their records are among the most numerous found by record collectors today, testifying to their original popularity. He and his orchestra were in Eddie Cantor's 1928 Broadway hit Whoopee!, and in the 1930 movie version. He met a singer, Ethel Shutta, who sings and dances memorably in Whoopee!, and they married, appearing together in nightclubs and on radio. They had two children; following a divorce, Olsen opened a restaurant in New Jersey. In 1936, Olsen became leader of Orville Knapp's band after Knapp died in a plane crash. Olsen was chosen to lead the band by Knapp's widow. Morale problems plagued the group, and in 1938, after many musicians had already left, the group disbanded. Olsen died 1971 in Paramus, New Jersey. George Olsen And His Music - Out Where The Moonbeams Are Born (1929). + Informações