Olsen gave up his original band in 1933, when Orville Knapp (Amateur Aviator, and Bandleader) died in a private plane crash. Olsen took over his band in 1934. This is that band, not Olsen's original band from the 1920's. This band recorded for Ben Selvin's label Majestic, as did a lot of west coast commercial bands did, like Eddie Howard, for example. Olsen's original band can be heard in Movies like "Whoopie", "Happy Days" (Fox 1930) & Follow Thru" w/Buddy Rogers, Nancy Carroll,& Zelma O'Neal
They are "The Bachelors". Bob Rice, Jack Clifford and the one on the right is my grandfather, Ronnie Mansfield who also had a radio show and was a regular on Fibber McGee and Molly. This footage is from a Paramount Pictures short film in 1940. I believe the woman in the piece is Jean Blaire. I have all of the still publicity pictures from the film but would love to get a copy of the film itself which features some solos as well.
I think that the staged formality of a musical performance, referred to in the video, was quite normal for that time. Then, it was not so easy to photograph, let alone film anything. It was more a special occasion worthy of that extra effort on the part of the performers and any other participants.
Olsen (bOR 1894-1971) went from being drum major of the U Mich marching band to leading featured bands for some of the most successful Broadway shows. He gave up bandleading in 1951 to open popular restaurant, "Olsens," in Paramus, NJ which he operated until his death. The restaurant featured his recordings from the 20s-50s as background music. Also, Olsen appeared in motion pictures and was Jack Benny's first orchestra leader on radio.
Thanks for this video.Where I can find the original song, from the ,,Speedy 1928 "? ( you know, ,,Horses horses horses..." ) .Thanks
VulgaroPerfect 7 months ago
Wow I Cannot Believe My English Teacher Is The Grandson Of George Olsen
MichaelDaKingBaboso 2 years ago
i love george olsen , born too late thanks so much love it , where is my time machine when i need it .
bearcub410 2 years ago
Olsen gave up his original band in 1933, when Orville Knapp (Amateur Aviator, and Bandleader) died in a private plane crash. Olsen took over his band in 1934. This is that band, not Olsen's original band from the 1920's. This band recorded for Ben Selvin's label Majestic, as did a lot of west coast commercial bands did, like Eddie Howard, for example. Olsen's original band can be heard in Movies like "Whoopie", "Happy Days" (Fox 1930) & Follow Thru" w/Buddy Rogers, Nancy Carroll,& Zelma O'Neal
78timothy 3 years ago
does anyone know if the vocalists on the clip are Borger, Rice and Frey?
1276epr 3 years ago
They are "The Bachelors". Bob Rice, Jack Clifford and the one on the right is my grandfather, Ronnie Mansfield who also had a radio show and was a regular on Fibber McGee and Molly. This footage is from a Paramount Pictures short film in 1940. I believe the woman in the piece is Jean Blaire. I have all of the still publicity pictures from the film but would love to get a copy of the film itself which features some solos as well.
Lyricmelody 2 years ago
Comment removed
Lyricmelody 2 years ago
george olson took over the Orville Knapp Orchestra in 1936 after Orville Knapp died in a plane crash.
cvwtzhaar 3 years ago
I think that the staged formality of a musical performance, referred to in the video, was quite normal for that time. Then, it was not so easy to photograph, let alone film anything. It was more a special occasion worthy of that extra effort on the part of the performers and any other participants.
bostonblakie 3 years ago
The early sequences was from one of his 1940 Paramount musical shorts, featuring his band at the time...
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
Olsen (bOR 1894-1971) went from being drum major of the U Mich marching band to leading featured bands for some of the most successful Broadway shows. He gave up bandleading in 1951 to open popular restaurant, "Olsens," in Paramus, NJ which he operated until his death. The restaurant featured his recordings from the 20s-50s as background music. Also, Olsen appeared in motion pictures and was Jack Benny's first orchestra leader on radio.
stampada 4 years ago
I grew up in Portland and have never heard of George Olsen. Thank you.
livingaragtimelife 4 years ago
Never saw George Olson perform before. What a find this is.Thanks
RIOO1946 4 years ago
George Olson became a sucessful auto dealer in San Francisco
busternuckles 4 years ago
Different George Olsen...it's a common name.
ritwrite 4 years ago
How fascinating! I have collected Goerge Olsen 78s for some time, but have never seen him perform before! What a treat! Thanks
Sennettfan 4 years ago