Jan Savitt
Encyclopedia
Jan Savitt was an American bandleader, musical arranger, and violinist.
He was invited to joined the Philadelphia Orchestra
when was only nineteen, having studied at the Curtis Institute
and in Europe. His band The Top Hatters was formed in 1937 and began touring the following year. Their songs include "720 in the Books" "It's A Wonderful World" and his theme songs "Quaker City Jazz" and "From Out Of Space". Savitt was one of the first of the Big Band leaders to feature an African American vocalist, George Tunnell
("Bon Bon"). His other vocalists were Carlotta Dale, Allan DeWitt, Joe Martin, and Gloria DeHaven
. His band names include Jan Savitt & His Top Hatters, the Jan Savitt String Orchestra and Jan Savitt & His Orchestra.
Savitt recorded short pieces for the National Broadcasting System's 'Thesaurus' series, probably in the 1940s. These were short pieces radio stations used as 'fillers' just prior to network programs, which would begin precisely on the hour or half-hour. Disc 1143 in the Thesaurus catalogue features four selections by the Jan Savitt Orchestra on one side of the 33 1/3 transcription: "The Masquarade is Over I'm Afraid"; "If I Didn't Care"; "Ring Dem Bells", and "Romance Runs in the Family".
He was invited to joined the Philadelphia Orchestra
Philadelphia Orchestra
The Philadelphia Orchestra is a symphony orchestra based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the United States. One of the "Big Five" American orchestras, it was founded in 1900...
when was only nineteen, having studied at the Curtis Institute
Curtis Institute of Music
The Curtis Institute of Music is a conservatory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that offers courses of study leading to a performance Diploma, Bachelor of Music, Master of Music in Opera, and Professional Studies Certificate in Opera. According to statistics compiled by U.S...
and in Europe. His band The Top Hatters was formed in 1937 and began touring the following year. Their songs include "720 in the Books" "It's A Wonderful World" and his theme songs "Quaker City Jazz" and "From Out Of Space". Savitt was one of the first of the Big Band leaders to feature an African American vocalist, George Tunnell
George Tunnell
George "Bon Bon" Tunnell was an American vocalist. Born in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was one of the first African American vocalists to perform with a white band, that of Jan Savitt and his band, The Top Hatters....
("Bon Bon"). His other vocalists were Carlotta Dale, Allan DeWitt, Joe Martin, and Gloria DeHaven
Gloria DeHaven
Gloria Mildred DeHaven is an American actress and a former contract star for MGM.-Early life and career:DeHaven was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of actor-director Carter DeHaven and actress Flora Parker DeHaven, both former vaudeville performers.She began her career as a child...
. His band names include Jan Savitt & His Top Hatters, the Jan Savitt String Orchestra and Jan Savitt & His Orchestra.
Savitt recorded short pieces for the National Broadcasting System's 'Thesaurus' series, probably in the 1940s. These were short pieces radio stations used as 'fillers' just prior to network programs, which would begin precisely on the hour or half-hour. Disc 1143 in the Thesaurus catalogue features four selections by the Jan Savitt Orchestra on one side of the 33 1/3 transcription: "The Masquarade is Over I'm Afraid"; "If I Didn't Care"; "Ring Dem Bells", and "Romance Runs in the Family".