FREDDIE MARTIN - SAXOPHONIST-BANDLEADER
Per research: Freddie Martin was probably the most respected tenor saxophonist of the dance band era. He was admired by many. His genius on his instrument also helped make his sweet orchestra one of the most musical of its time and propelled him on a bandleading career that spanned four decades. Martin's orchestra featured many top performers and future bandleaders in its early days. During the 1930s and 1940s it contained such musicians as pianists Claude Thornhill, Barclay Allen, Jack Fina, and Murray Arnold, and guitarist Alvino Rey. Male vocalists in the 1930s were Terry Shand, Elmer Feldkampf, Buddy Clark, Stuart Wade, and Eddie Stone. Merv Griffin sang during the 1950s. Vocalist Helen Ward also sang with the band in the early 1930s before she joined Benny Goodman. She was the only female singer featured by Martin. Martin continued active in the band business up until the 1970s. Freddie Martin passed away in 1983.
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This original promo photo was found in a suitcase with many other promotional and orchestra photos. The suitcase belonged to Len Fennell an orchestra leader himself. He was not a famous leader but gave many artists their start. He headed the resident orchestra at the Geo.F. Pavillion-Johnson City, NY. His singers were folks like Tamer Aswad-later to be known as Stuart Foster of the Dorsey Band fame.
This photo is not signed
The lower left corner reads FREDDY MARTIN and His Orchestra. The lower right corner reads Exclusive Management MUSIC CORPORATION OF AMERICA - New York Chicago Los Angeles Dallas. This 8 x 10 Photo is in good condition. There is one small pinhole in top center and one in the lower left corner. The corners have slight bending and cracking. There is a bend with slight cracking in the lower right corner just into the image area. Otherwise really nice condition. This is glossy, heavy stock. I believe it dates to the 30's-40's. That's when Len was into all the orchestra/big band stuff- per his son. A great addition to any collection!
I am not an expert on this type of sale so I am depending on the EBAY Community to ask the right questions and as they always do - perhaps give me some pointers.. I have tried to research these photos but in the end it is always the Community that sets the value and knows what they are looking at. Hope you enjoy seeing all the photos as I roll them out..
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