Michael Hucko, known to the Big Band World as "Peanuts", started his career playing saxophone with the bands of Will Bradley, Joe Marsala and Tommy Reynolds in the late 1930's and early 40's. He spent a short time with Charlie Spivak's Orchestra but left to enter the military during World War II. While in the service, Peanuts joined Glenn Miller's famed Army Air Force Band. It was also during this time that Hucko began playing the clarinet, the instrument he is now most associated with.
After the war, Peanuts played in the bands of Benny Goodman, Ray McKinley and Jack Teagarden. In the 1950's he spent time as a sought out studio musician and spent a couple of years playing with Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars.
The 1960's saw Hucko finally lead his own band and also do some notable work with Frank Sinatra. The 1970's were filled with appearances on the popular Lawrence Welk television show and he also led the Glenn Miller ghost band during the 70's as well.
Note: Peanuts was married to vocalist Louise Tobin.
Listen to: "Blintzes Bagel Boogie" by Peanuts Hucko on V-Disc
You can hear the playing of Peanuts Hucko right here on Swing City Radio.
