So many of us have been glued to our televisions watching what has been going on in Ukraine. I thought it might be interesting to write a quick post featuring one of most famous Ukrainian bandleaders - Phil Spitalny.
Spitalny was born in Tetiev, Ukraine in 1890 and was considered a child prodigy on clarinet. He spent a large amount of his childhood touring Russia then came to the United States when 15 years old.
In the early 1930's he rose to fame leading orchestras under the name Phil Spitalny and His All-Girl Orchestra and the Hour of Charm Orchestra. His All Girl Orchestra received nationwide attention via his radio program, "The Hour of Charm" in 1934. The program would go on to last for over ten years on radio. I have to admit, his style of music was usually a bit too sweet for my personal tastes but there are many recordings where he and his orchestra would show off their swinging side.
Even though his orchestras were a bit of a novelty at the time, it should be noted that these were VERY talented orchestras. It's been documented that Spitalny auditioned over one thousand women to fill the twenty-two piece orchestra. One of those extremely gifted female musicians was violinist Evelyn Kaye Klein. She was regularly introduced as Evelyn and Her Magic Violin. Klein and Phil Spitalny later married in 1946.
Watch the Film Short "Phil Spitanly and his Musical Queens" from 1934
