Jean Goldkette & His Orchestra - Hush-A-Bye

  • 11 years ago
I rarely post waltzes, but due to the many victims after the distressing rail accident earlier this week, I felt it was appropriate to post a soothing, comforting tune. Jean Goldkette (1893–1962), born in Valenciennes (France) spent his childhood in Greece and Russia and emigrated to the US in 1911. He led many jazz and dance bands, of which the best known was his Victor Recording Orchestra of 1924 – 1929, which included, at various times, Bix Beiderbecke, Hoagy Carmichael, Chauncey Morehouse, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey, Bill Rank, Eddie Lang, Frankie Trumbauer, Pee Wee Russell, Steve Brown, Doc Ryker and Joe Venuti, a.o. In 1927, Paul Whiteman hired away most of Goldkette's better players. Goldkette later helped organize McKinney's Cotton Pickers and Glen Gray's Orange Blossoms, which became the Casa Loma Orchestra. In the 30s he left jazz to work as a booking agent and classical pianist. In 1939, he organized the American Symphony Orchestra which debuted at Carnegie Hall. He moved to California in 1961, where he died in 1962. This lovely tune was recorded in 1926. Vocal by Frank Bessinger.