Sammy Kaye facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sammy Kaye
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Sammy Kaye (1952)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Samuel Zarnocay, Jr. |
| Born | March 13, 1910 Lakewood, Ohio |
| Died | June 2, 1987 (aged 77) Ridgewood, New Jersey |
| Genres | Big band, swing, jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, bandleader |
| Instruments | Saxophone, clarinet |
| Labels | Vocalion, RCA Victor, Columbia, Bell, Decca |
Sammy Kaye (born Samuel Zarnocay Jr.; March 13, 1910 – June 2, 1987) was a famous American bandleader and songwriter. He was known for his catchy phrase, "Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye." This phrase became very popular during the Big Band Era, a time when large musical groups played jazz and swing music.
His first hit song in 1937 was called "Swing and Sway." Sammy Kaye was also the first to record the classic song "Blueberry Hill" in 1940. During World War II, he helped write and record the patriotic song "Remember Pearl Harbor." This song became a big hit. In 1941, he was the first to record the number-one song "Daddy. His most famous song was "Harbor Lights," which also reached number one in 1950.
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Early Life and Music Career
Sammy Kaye was born in Lakewood, Ohio, in the United States. He went to Rocky River High School and later studied at Ohio University. While he could play the saxophone and clarinet, he usually didn't play solos in his band.
Sammy Kaye led one of the "Sweet" bands during the Big Band Era. These bands played a smoother, more melodic style of swing music. He recorded many songs for record companies like Vocalion Records, RCA Victor, Columbia Records, and Decca Records. He was also very popular on the radio.
Fun with the Audience
Sammy Kaye had a fun way to involve his audience called "So You Want to Lead a Band?" He would invite people from the audience onto the stage. They would try to conduct his orchestra. If they did well, they could win a special baton. Kaye was also known for having his singers sing the titles of songs. Other bandleaders like Kay Kyser copied this idea.
Famous Songs and World War II
Sammy Kaye was the first to record "Blueberry Hill" in 1941. This song became a classic and was later recorded by many other artists in different music styles. He also first recorded the popular song "Daddy" in 1941, which quickly became a number-one hit.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Sammy Kaye wrote the music for "Remember Pearl Harbor." Don Reid wrote the words. The song's tune was based on Ohio University's school song. RCA Victor recorded it with Sammy Kaye's band and a singing group. The song was released in 1942 and reached number three on the music charts.
By 1955, Sammy Kaye's music was played five times a week on many national radio stations.
Band Members and Singers
Many talented musicians played in Sammy Kaye's band, including Ralph Flanagan. His band also featured several singers over the years. These included Don Cornell, Billy Williams, Tommy Ryan, Gary Willner, Barry Frank, Tony Russo, and Nancy Norman. Sometimes, all the band members would sing together as backing vocals. They were known as the "Kaydets."
Sammy Kaye on Television
Sammy Kaye also had several television shows:
- The Sammy Kaye Show on CBS Television (1951–52)
- The Sammy Kaye Show on NBC Television (summer 1953)
- So You Want to Lead a Band on ABC Television (1954–55)
- Sammy Kaye's Music From Manhattan on ABC (1958–59)
Later Life and Legacy
Sammy Kaye passed away in 1987 in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He was buried in his family's plot in Lakewood, Ohio. Before he died, Sammy Kaye left his orchestra to Roger Thorpe. Roger Thorpe is a music professor who continues to lead the orchestra today.
Songs He Wrote
Sammy Kaye wrote or helped write several songs. These include "Remember Pearl Harbor," "Until Tomorrow (Goodnight, My Love)," and "Wanderin'." He also wrote "I Miss Your Kiss," which was released for American troops overseas during World War II.
Movies Featuring His Music
Sammy Kaye's band also appeared in movies:
- Song of the Open Road (1944)
- Iceland (1942)
Honors and Awards
Sammy Kaye was recognized for his contributions to music. In 1992, he was added to the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the recording industry.
See also
- "Daddy (Sammy Kaye song)"
