Charlie Kunz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charlie Kunz
|
|
|---|---|
1937
|
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Charles Leonard Kunz |
| Born | August 18, 1896 Allentown, Pennsylvania |
| Died | March 16, 1958 (aged 61) |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Bandleader, Musician |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 1912–1958 |
| Labels | Decca Records, Sterno Records, Rex |
Charlie Kunz (born August 18, 1896 – died March 16, 1958) was a famous British musician. He was very popular during the time of dance bands in Britain. Charlie played the piano in nightclubs where people loved to ballroom dance. He had a special, relaxed way of playing popular songs, making them sound full of feeling.
Contents
Charlie's Early Life and Music Career
Charlie Kunz was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1896. His dad was a great baker and also played the French horn. Charlie started playing music for people when he was just six years old! By the time he was seven, he was so good that he became a professional pianist. That means he got paid to play!
In 1922, Charlie came to England with a small dance band. The band was led by a drummer named Ed Krick. Charlie loved London so much that he decided to stay. The rest of the band went back to Pennsylvania without him.
Soon, Charlie became a very popular pianist in England. He even stopped leading his own orchestra to focus only on playing the piano. He played at dance halls and nightclubs. You could also hear him on the BBC radio!
Famous Singers with Charlie's Band
In the 1930s, two of Britain's most famous female vocalists sang with Charlie's band. They were Vera Lynn and Dorothy Squires. His best-known male singer was George Barclay. George was known as a "crooner," which was a very popular singing style back then.
Charlie's Solo Performances
Charlie first performed as a soloist (meaning he played by himself) in 1934. This happened at a place called the Holborn Empire. In the same year, he started recording his famous "Charlie Kunz Medleys." These were records where he played a mix of popular songs.
His most famous song was Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie. Whenever he finished a performance, his closing song was always Pink Elephants.
Charlie's Family and Later Life
Charlie Kunz was married three times. He had one child with his first wife, Amanda Dysher, who later passed away.
In 1923, he married Eva Dorothy "Nin" Lloyd. She was a fashion model. They had two sons together and were married until 1939. His third wife was Pat Sparkes, whom he married in 1942. They were still married when he died.
Charlie continued to live in England until he passed away in 1958. He died from a heart attack. He is buried in Streatham Vale Cemetery.
