Geraldo
Gerald Walcan Bright , known as Geraldo (born August 10, 1904 in London , † May 4, 1974 in Vevey , Switzerland ) was an English band leader .
Live and act
Geraldo was born as Gerald Bright and trained as a piano prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music . His orchestra was one of the most famous of its time and was as popular in England as Glenn Miller was in the United States.
Geraldo set up a few bands as early as the 1920s, but did not become known until 1925 with the St. Anne's-on-the-Sea Hotel Majestic Orchestra . In August 1930 he was signed up with his band, colorful costumes and a new name as the Geraldo Gaucho Tango Band in the Savoy Hotel in London . In 1933 he gave a special performance for the British royal court as the “Tango King of England”. Shortly thereafter, Geraldo transformed his orchestra into a swing and dance orchestra and called himself Geraldo & his Sweet Music . As a visual treat - Geraldo and his orchestra looked exactly as you would imagine a swing orchestra to be - he stayed in the Savoy for almost ten years and reportedly made over 2000 radio appearances.
With the outbreak of World War II , Geraldo became "Director of Dance Music" for the BBC with at least nine radio appearances per week. At the same time, he and his band often appeared in public, touring the Middle East and North Africa. During this time he - like Glenn Miller - reached the peak of popularity. Drummer Eric Delaney was one of his musicians .
In the post-war years, Geraldo shifted more to managing the bands that played for the Cunard shipping line. He also managed the orchestra pit of theaters and was Music Director of Scottish Television.
His twin brother was the pianist Sid Bright .
Web links
- Geraldo & his Sweet Music on Big Bands Database Plus - British Bands
- Geraldo on Jazz Professional
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Geraldo |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Bright, Gerald (real name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | English musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | August 10, 1904 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | London |
| DATE OF DEATH | May 4th 1974 |
| Place of death | Vevey , Switzerland |