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Swing 1940
This chronology is an overview of Swing Music activity in the greater Albany area by month and year. It represents selected highlights for each month. It is not a comprehensive listing of monthly musical activity. The focus is the City of Albany, with only a sampling of activity outside the city.
To learn more about area venues, go to the VENUES tab.
To learn more about the local musicians, go to the BANDS AND MUSICIANS tab.
January
Bars/Clubs
Bernie Collins and His Orchestra appeared at Newman’s Lake House in Saratoga. Collins was from Saratoga, but toured with his orchestra nationally. His wife’s obituary mentions Bernie: https://www.burkefuneralhome.com/obituary/5528209
Kings Café, at Madison and Green, featured The Sons of the Purple Sage plus King’s Swing Band. Listen to the Sons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEC9amZDR7w
Chick Robert’s Music was featured at the Tally-Ho Club, 50 Hudson Avenue.
The Ambassador Trio played Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern on 2nd Street in Rensselaer.
Mike Pantone and His Boys played the Lark Tavern on Madison Avenue.
Harold Reinick and His Orchestra played Osterhout’s near Thatcher Park.
Jake and Pat, the Swing Docs, and Billy Harris, piano played the Klub Eagle, 32 Eagle Street in Albany.
Gerard’s in Guilderland featured the Buddy LaCombe Orchestra.
Wally’s Gay 90s on 44 Beaver Street featured Vaudeville plus Professor Sid Osheim’s Gay 90s Orchestra.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra picked up where they left off in 1939. They played Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush. The gig featured Bill Farrel and Beverly Woods, singers.
Eddie Kelly and His Rhythm Boys played the Club Frolics, 79 South Pearl Street. Charlie Saunders and His Original Tramp Band also performed this month.
The Astoria Club Orchestra played the Castle Ballroom on 119 State Street, Albany.
The Rhythm Club, 61 Madison Avenue in Albany, featured Harold Turner’s Dixie Aces.
Hotels
The Ten Eyck featured the Francis Murphy Orchestra along with the Men of Note.
Emery Deutsch and His “Magic Bow of Rainbow” along with Art Mooney and His Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore.
February
Bars/Clubs
Mike Pantone and His Boys continued their run at the Lark Tavern.
Brockley’s featured the Ambassador Trio again this month.
The Klub Eagle, 32 Eagle Street, advertised Billy Harris at piano.
Club Frolics at 79 South Pearl Street featured a Floor Show with Charlie Saunders Original Tramp Band.
The Astoria Club Orchestra played the Castle Ballroom, 119 State Street in Albany.
The Rhythm Club, at 61 Madison, announced that the place was “newly remodeled.” Johnny Hopkins was the emcee featuring “continuous entertainment”.
The Alladin Tavern, Rensselaer, featured the Three Bills with Chuck Miller.
Hotels
The Ten Eyck featured the Francis Murphy Orchestra along with the Men of Note.
The Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore had a full lineup - Art Mooney and His Orchestra featured Jean Ryan. Read about Mooney here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Mooney
Listen to his music here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mf5U7WZy4q4
Also, the Winter Sisters “in their first U.S. performance”. The advertisement mentioned that they had just come from a “command performance” for England’s King George. Read about them here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King_Sisters
Finally at the Rain-Bo Room, Terry Shand and His CBS Orchestra appeared. Here is one of their songs from 1940: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvLnkTxJcWc
March
Bars/Clubs
The Tally-Ho Club at 50 Hudson Avenue presented a Floor Show featuring the Conway Twins, with John McCollough’s Music.
Mike Pantone’s Band continued at the Lark Tavern.
Harold Reinick appeared at Osterhout’s in Thatcher Park.
A Floor Show at Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn featured Rita Parker, singer.
Rudd’s Night Club featured Raeburn Twins; "The Girl Friends Lots of What You Came For".
The Lakeview Hotel on Kinderhook Lake featured Frankie Winters and His Orchestra and Henry Burke and His Electric Violin.
The Hollywood Tavern, 64 Madison Avenue, featured 3 Floor Shows.
Dinty’s Terrace Garden in Latham placed a full-page ad in the TU to announce Charles King in Person - Motion Pictures, Musical Comedy Star; Ned Harvey and his Orch; Dead End Kids' Band.
Pete Emma and His Band played Gerald’s on Route 20, Guilderland.
Hotels
Terry Shand and His Orchestra spent the month at the Kenmore Hotel, Rain-Bo Room.
April
Bars/Clubs
The Tally-Ho featured Ray LaFontaine and the Four Esquires.
Mike Pantone continued his extended gig at the Lark Tavern.
Smith’s Tavern in Troy featured a New Spring Revue along with Billy Kennedy.
Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn, East Greenbush, announced a “Brand New Show” along with Paul Parker and His Orchestra.
Charlie Saunders Original Tramp Band spent the month at the Club Frolics, 79 South Pearl Street.
Rudd’s Night Club featured Boyd Senter – “star of radio, screen, recordings”. Read about him, hear him play: https://www.20sjazz.com/videos/boyd-senter
Frankie Winters and His Orchestra played the Lakeview Hotel on Kinderhook Lake.
Air-O-Dance had a full line up in April: Robert Shaw’s Orchestra; Gordie Randall and His NBC Orchestra; and the Revellers.
Odd Fellows Hall, Beaver Street below Pearl in Albany featured: Swing Jamboree - 6 Bands - Astoria Club; Cavsaliers; Sam Bruno; Dick Shannon; Vince De Toro; Gus Mantes.
The Park Grill, 247 Green Street, featured Jane Small and advertised an “orchestra every night”.
The Swingsters played the Manor Inn, 77 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer.
Skippy’s Music Bar featured the Skippy Trio along with Jerry Shaw’s Music.
Hotels
Ina Ray Hutton and Her Orchestra spent the month in the Rain-Bo Room, Kenmore Hotel. Read her bio: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ina_Ray_Hutton
May
Bars/Clubs
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra continued their run at the Lark Tavern.
The Tally-Ho featured 2 Separate Reviews - The Belles of Rhythm, Judy Ferris, MC; The 4 Esquires - John McCollough's Music.
Smith’s Tavern, Pauling Avenue in Troy, featured New Spring Review - Parker Sisters; Lola Winters; Lou Lorain; Johnny Rose; Bill Kennedy – MC.
Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn featured Paul Parker and His Orchestra and a Gala Floor Show headed by Martha Lawrence.
Francis Murphy and His Orchestra spent the entire summer at Riley’s Lake House in Saratoga.
Gordie Randall and His Orchestra played Air-O-Dance in Guilderland.
Glenn Miller and His Orchestra appeared at the Washington Avenue Armory in Albany.
“Hi-De-Ho Hot Music” was featured at Big Charlie’s Harlem Grill, Hamilton Street in Albany.
Mickey and His Swingsters played the Manor Inn in Rensselaer.
Jerry Shaw’s Music appeared at Skippy’s Music Bar in Albany.
Forrest Willis and His WOKO Orchestra played the Emerald Inn in Menands.
Professor Murphy and His Orchestra appeared at Goblet’s Green Room, McKown’s Grove, Western Avenue in Albany.
Alvis Sless and Cameo Kirby played Gerald’s, one mile out from Albany on Route 20.
Hotels
The Rain-Bo Room, Kenmore Hotel, featured Mike Riley and His Orchestra along with Peter Higgins, “America’s Favorite Tenor”. Read about Riley here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Riley_(musician)
Listen to one of his famous songs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNxXQdCjZ_Q
The Gentlemen of Rhythm played the Cocktail Lounge at the DeWitt Clinton Hotel.
June
Bars/Clubs
The Tally-Ho Club featured John McCoullough’s Music, The Barber Sisters, and songs by Cecile Martins.
Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern in Rensselaer featured Don Zanello and His Orchestra.
Nada-Jan Parisian; Vera Whitney, singer; Hank Dalton, piano played Smith’s Tavern in Troy.
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra played the Lark Tavern early in the month.
Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby continued their engagement at Gerald’s in Guilderland.
Al Freeman’s Orchestra played the Club Frolics in Albany.
Dick Allen’s 11 Piece Band played Rudd’s Night Club on the Albany-Schenectady Road.
Gordie Randall and His Orchestra continued at Air-O-Dance.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra moved to the Manor Inn, 77 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer.
The Skippy Trio took over at Skippy’s in Albany.
Forrest Willis and His WOKO Orchestra continued at the Emerald Inn in Menands.
Jimmy McGriff’s Orchestra played Dales on 531 Central Avenue in Albany.
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel on Thompson’s Lake.
Hotels
The Ten Eyck featured entertainment in their roof garden – “On the Tropical Roof - Hughie Barrett's Orchestra featuring Miss Jean Murray - singer of popular songs”.
July
Bars/Clubs
The Tally-Ho featured a floor show along with John McCollough’s Orchestra.
Doc Zanello continued his run at Brockley’s Blue and White Tavern in Rensselaer.
Billy Harris – piano, and Hughie Flynn – singer, continued their engagement at the Club Eagle in Albany.
The Knights of Rhythm held court at Air-O-Dance, Route 20 in Guilderland.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra played the Manor Inn, Rensselaer.
The Skippy Trio played Skippy’s Music Bar in Albany.
Forest Willis and His WOKO Orchestra continued their run at the Emerald Inn, Menands.
Professor Murphy and His Orchestra played the Goblet’s Green Room at McKown’s Grove.
Jimmy McGriff’s Orchestra continued at Dales on Central Avenue in Albany.
Pete Emma and His Band played the Lakeside Hotel at Thompson’s Lake.
Wilson Small and His Orchestra played the Hillside on Broadway.
Gene Krupa and His Orchestra played the Silver Ballroom, Mid-City Park, Menands.
August
Bars/Clubs
John McCollough’s Orchestra continued their run at the Tally-Ho.
Don Zanello’s Orchestra continued at Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
The Klub Eagle continued to feature Billy Harris and Hughie Flynn.
Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby continued at Gerard’s in Guilderland.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra played Hunter’s Clinton Heights Inn.
The Club Frolics featured Charlie Saunders and His Original Tramp Band.
The Air-O-Dance ballroom in Guilderland featured the Robert Shaw Orchestra, the Knights of Rhythm, and the Gordie Randall Orchestra.
Professor Murphy and His Orchestra played the Goblet’s Green Room at McKown’s Grove.
Pete Emma and His Orchestra continued at the Lakeside Hotel, Thompson’s Lake.
Freddy Engel provided the music at Igo’s, Albany-Schenectady Road.
September
Bars/Clubs
The Tally-Ho and Brockley’s featured the same entertainers as August.
Alvin Sless and continued at Gerard’s in Guilderland Cameo Kirby.
Wallys’ Gay 90s, at 44 Beaver Street, featured their 8 Piece Gay 90 Orch with Prof Larry Catan and Maestro Joe Martin at the piano.
Charlie Saunders stayed on in Club Frolics.
Gordie Randall, Robert Shaw and Dick Cannon all brought their orchestras to Air-O-Dance.
Forest Willis and His WOKO Orchestra at the Emerald Inn, Menands.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra played the Pine Inn, Albany-Schenectady Road, off Fuller.
Hotels
Terry Shand and His Orchestra played the Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore.
October
Bars/Clubs
Chick Robert’s Music was featured at the Tally-Ho Club, 50 Hudson Avenue.
Mike Pantone and His Boys returned to the Lark Tavern “by popular demand”.
Stuart’s, on Sheridan Avenue just above North Pearl, featured the Francis Murphy CBS Orchestra.
Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby continued at Gerard’s in Guilderland.
"Harlem's A Poppin" in a fast moving Ebony floor show; Wilson Small's Rhythm Makers played the Rhythm Club at 61 Madison Avenue, Albany.
The Alladin Tavern in Rensselaer presented Bill Peterson’s Orchestra featuring Bill Miller.
The Robert Shaw Orchestra and the Knights of Rhythm played Air-O-Dance in Guilderland.
The Hollywood Tavern, 64 Madison Avenue, presented Miss Skippy Thomas, Miss Ross “Cyclone” Stevens and Miss Renee Fitzgerald.
Charlie Beale played piano at the Riverwood Inn, Schenectady-Amsterdam Road.
Mike Pantone and His Orchestra also played the Pine Inn, Albany-Schenectady Road, off Fuller.
Horton’s All Girl Orchestra played Igo’s.
November
Bars/Clubs
Harold Reinick and His Orchestra, featuring Jerry Romano, played Osterhout’s, Thatcher Park.
Don Zanello’s Orchestra continued at Brockley’s in Rensselaer.
Billy Harris along with the Rhumba Duo, guitar specialists, continued at the Klub Eagle in Albany.
Gerald’s in Guilderland featured Alvin Sless and Cameo Kirby.
Paul Parker and His Orchestra continued at Hunter’s in East Greenbush.
Club Frolics continued with Charlie Saunders and His Original Tramp Band. Charlie was joined by Dorothy Leroy, Donna Paulette, Joyce Davis, Casey Craft, Rita Brown, Estralita, June Howard.
Sammy Vincent and His Orchestra joined the Robert Shaw Orchestra at Air-O-Dance.
The Hollywood Tavern, 64 Madison Avenue, featured Helen Powell – swing stylist.
Skippy’s Music Bar continued to feature the Skippy Trio.
Harold Oppe’s Orchestra played the Emerald Inn, Menands.
The University Tap Room, 85 South Pearl, presented Ann & Honey – Rhythm Singers along with June Barrett – songstress.
Freddy Jay and His 8 Piece Band, along with Vivian Loro – “charming Pianist” played the Embassy Club in Menands.
Hotels
The Rain-Bo Room at the Kenmore featured Dick Stabile and His Orch; Ben Bernie and All the Lads; The Baily Sisters - June and Sue; Donald Saxon - romantic baritone; Johnny Ryan - sweet singing Irishman.
December
Bars/Clubs
Mike Pantone’s Orchestra played the Lark Tavern on Madison Avenue.
Chick Roberts and His Band played the Tally-Ho.
Harold Reinick finished the year at Osterhout’s.
Beverly & Ray, Song Duo, played Klub Eagle.
Al Sless and Cameo Kirby played Gerald’s in Guilderland.
Club Frolics continued to feature Charlie Saunders and His Original Tramp Band.
The Hollywood Tavern featured a “Sepian Floor Show”.
Dales, 531 Central Avenue in Albany, featured Jimmy McGriff’s Society Orchestra.
Myron and Rays, 50 Beaver Street, presented Music by The Farrells.
The Hi Hat Club, 283 Green Street, featured Dewey Beasley and His 8 Swingsters.
Barry’s Inn, Stop 34 on the Albany-Schenectady Road, presented Ted Black and His World Famous NBC Orchestra.
Hotels
The Capitol Hotel Trio played the Capitol Hotel in Albany.
Ben Bernie and All the Lads featuring the Baily Sisters opened the month at the Kenmore – Rain-Bo Room. Beginning December 13th, the Room featured Ray Heatherton and his Music With A Smile; Judy Clark and Penny Parker - singers; Castian & Barry -dancers - direct from the Biltmore Hotel, NYC.
Ben Bernie and All the Lads featuring the Baily Sisters opened the month at the Kenmore – Rain-Bo Room. Beginning December 13th, the Room featured Ray Heatherton and his Music With A Smile; Judy Clark and Penny Parker - singers; Castian & Barry -dancers - direct from the Biltmore Hotel, NYC.
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