Johnny Marvin
Johnny Marvin | |
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John Senator Marvin (July 11, 1897 – December 10, 1944) was an early American recording artist and musician, starting in 1924 and covering a twenty-year period for many record labels.
Early years
Born in
His first solo ukulele recording, "You know Me Alabam'", was in 1924 on the Radiex label under the name Johnny Marvin.[2] He was an early adapter of the Martin Tiple style ukulele. It is probable that he was introduced to the new instrument due to a factory visit to the Martin factory in 1922. He was unsuccessful in obtaining an endorsement deal with Martin, who limited their support to a 20% discount for all performers.[3]
Pseudonyms
Marvin recorded 49 records for
Relationships
Marvin's younger brother, Frankie, was also in the industry.[5] Marvin introduced Frankie to Gene Autry, another musician, and the two roomed together in New York City. In 1930, Marvin introduced Autry to his friend Art Satherley of the American Record Corporation, a move which launched Autry's career.
Autry returned the favor when his career took off, bringing Frankie and Johnny into motion pictures and radio to help with the music. The two brothers, though uncredited, were often seen in Western movies. Johnny Marvin was inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame in 2003. His citation reads in part, "In the decade when the ukulele was enjoying its greatest popularity, Marvin was one of the premiere ukulele performers."[2]
Hollywood
Marvin worked with Gene Autry in Hollywood. He is credited with providing songs for soundtracks on over 50 movies and television shows. During World War II, he joined the
References
- ^ ISBN 9781458416544.
- ^ a b c Johnny Marvin, Ukulele Hall of Fame
- ^ ISBN 978-1-4768-6879-0.
- ^ Johnny Marvin, Discography of American Historical Recordings, University of California at Santa Barbara
- ^ Frankie and Johnny Marvin Folio of Down Home Songs; Southern Music Publishing Co., Inc.; 1619 Broadway, New York, NY; 1932
External links
- Media related to Johnny Marvin at Wikimedia Commons
- Johnny Marvin recordings at the Discography of American Historical Recordings.