Leo Reisman
Leo F. Reisman (October 11, 1897 – December 18, 1961)[1] was an American violinist and bandleader in the 1920s and 1930s. Born and reared in Boston, Massachusetts, United States,[1] Inspired by the Russian-American violinist Jascha Heifetz, Reisman studied violin as a young man. After being rejected by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, he formed his own band in 1919.[2] He became famous for having over 80 hits on the popular charts during his career. Jerome Kern called Reisman's orchestra "The String Quartet of Dance Bands".
Biography
Reisman's first recording was on a 10-inch 78 rpm record for Columbia Records, recorded on January 10, 1921 – the two titles being "Love Bird" (Columbia A-3366, mx.79634) and the other title being "Bright Eyes" (Columbia A-3366, mx.79635).[3]
Reisman recorded for
Reisman also had the habit of featuring composers and
Among his more popular hits were his recordings of Cole Porter's "Night and Day" (1932) and Con Conrad's "The Continental" (1934), plus Astaire's recording of Irving Berlin's "Cheek to Cheek" (1935).[1]
Reisman's was primarily a dance orchestra; he was not a fan of jazz music, but some of his early 1930s 78 RPM recordings were considered a bit "hot".
Eddy Duchin was a member of Leo Reisman's orchestra; it was Reisman who gave Duchin his big break.[6] The band leader and TV personality, Mitch Miller, also was a member of Reisman's orchestra.[7]
Reisman's work on radio included having the Nine o'Clock Revue, a 30-minute weekly program on the Mutual Broadcasting System in 1937.[8]
Reisman died in New York City on December 18, 1961, at the age of 64.[1]
Charting singles
- "Down Argentina Way" (1940) (US No. 7)
- "Ferry-Boat Serenade" (1940) (US No. 19)
References
- ^ ISBN 0-85112-939-0.
- ^ Leo, Kahn. Variations on a Theme: Memoirs of a Studio Musician. p. 40.
- ^ a b c "Leo Reisman 78 RPM - Discography - USA - 78 RPM". 45worlds.com. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ "78 Record: Leo Reisman - Lucky Me - Lovable You (1930)". 45worlds.com. Retrieved 7 October 2021.
- ^ "IMDB". IMDb.
- ^ The Eddy Duchin Story. Columbia Pictures, Samuel A. Taylor (screenplay) and Leo Katcher (story), released 21 June 1956 (US)
- ISBN 978-0275981112.
- ^ "Leo Reisman" (PDF). Radio Daily. February 9, 1937. p. 10. Retrieved April 8, 2022.