Eddie Davis

American Dance Orchestras

Paul Whiteman, Inc.: A Preliminary Survey

of the Whiteman Agency Dance Orchestras

By Allan Sutton

Note: This material is excerpted from author’s American Dance Band Encyclopedia, which is currently in development for publication in 2009.

"Eddie Davis & his Orchestra (Eddie Davis, violin / director) — Davis’ orchestra was popular in New York, but had only a few recording sessions, all in 1922-23, for Grey Gull and Paramount. Davis fronted supper-club orchestras at various New York restaurants in the 1930s, and during 1937-39, he shared the bandstand at the Hotel Larue with another 1920s veteran, Joseph C. Smith."

Here's the website citation:

http://www.mainspringpress.com/whiteman.html

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MARCY DAVIS writes: I have only very early memories of my father's father, but I believe he was very kind. He had a lovely smile, and is remembered very fondly by all those who knew him.

He was a society bandleader who played violin and also sang. He played for Vanderbilts and Whitneys in hotel ballrooms such as the Waldorf-Astoria. Ironically, as a Jew, he would not have been allowed as a guest in the hotels where he was warmly received providing music for weddings. He was beloved by many gentile families, who would arrange their event schedules around his availability.

An LP album exists of Eddie's music: Stepping in Society on Decca Records. Hal Davis wrote the liner notes on the back about his dad.The photo on the cover shows the Bil Baird marionettes depicting Eddie's orchestra and people dancing.

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HAL DAVIS wrote in Davis Family Relationships 2nd edition, 1990:"I learned pinochle from the games Grandpa (Max) played with Dad (Eddie Davis) and Uncle Al Kasden.(Lena's son.) Still love to play the game. Always felt I was the luckiest kid in the world. Had a fantastic childhood and good luck and timing all my life."