CD BROADCAST 013

Born: London Aug. 10, 1903
Died: May 4, 1974 ('76)
(nee Gerald Bright)

A piano prodigy who trained at the Royal Academy of Music. His was one of the dominant orchestras of the period, occupying the same place in British music that Glenn Miller did in American music. He formed some bands in the very early 1920's but came to the public's attention with his St. Anne's-on-the-Sea Hotel Majestic Orchestra. He stayed at the Majestic for 5 years and then in August 1930, the Savoy Hotel booked the 'Geraldo Gaucho Tango Band.' As the 'Tango King of England', he had a Royal Command Performance in 1933. By 1937, the "Gauchos" had disappeared into the mists of antiquity, and Geraldo was back leading a regular Swing and dance orchestra. In late 1938, Geraldo started the Sunday Night Swing Club Concerts at the St. Martin theater. (The concerts didn't last too long, but the Heralds of Swing were there on April 2, 1939.) He toured extensively throughout the war years, with a very fine orchestra. He added "Jiver" Hutchinson, the West-Indian trumpeter who came up with the Ken Johnson band, and later had his own orchestra. In June of 1942, Beryl Davis, daughter of bandleader Harry Davis, left the Oscar Rabin band and joined Geraldo as vocalist.

Famed trumpeter Ron Simmonds has recalled some of the personnel at this time. In the post war years, Geraldo became involved with band management, supplying bands for the Cunard Liners. He managed the pit orchestra for a theater circuit and also was the musical director for Scottish Television

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