Sy Oliver facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sy Oliver
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Sy Oliver from September 1946
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Melvin James Oliver |
| Born | December 17, 1910 Battle Creek, Michigan, United States |
| Died | May 28, 1988 (aged 77) New York City |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Bandleader, conductor, arranger |
| Years active | 1930s–1980s |
| Labels | Decca, Columbia, Capitol |
| Associated acts | Bill Kenny, Frank Sinatra, Jimmie Lunceford |
Melvin James "Sy" Oliver (December 17, 1910 – May 28, 1988) was an American jazz musician. He was a talented arranger, trumpeter, composer, singer, and bandleader. Sy Oliver helped shape the sound of big band jazz music.
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Early Life and Musical Start
Sy Oliver was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the United States. Music was a big part of his family. His mother taught piano, and his father played many instruments. His dad even showed off saxophones when they were not very common.
When he was 17, Sy Oliver left home to play music. He joined bands like Zack Whyte and his Chocolate Beau Brummels. Later, he played with Alphonse Trent. In these bands, he sang and played the trumpet. He became known for a special "growling" sound he made with his horn. This is also when he started arranging music for bands.
Singing and Arranging Hits
Sy Oliver sang for many years, making lots of recordings. He sang with Jimmie Lunceford's band from 1933 to 1939. He also sang with his own band later on. He recorded songs like "Yes Indeed" and "Swingin' on Nothin'".
He was a key arranger and conductor for Ella Fitzgerald during her time with Decca Records. As a composer, one of his most famous songs is "T'ain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It)". He wrote this song with Trummy Young in 1939.
Joining Jimmie Lunceford's Band
In 1933, Oliver joined Jimmie Lunceford's band. He played trumpet and also arranged and wrote songs. He created many popular arrangements for the band. These included "My Blue Heaven" and "Ain't She Sweet". He also wrote "For Dancers Only," which became the band's theme song.
Sy Oliver's arrangements were very new and exciting. They were seen as being as creative as those by famous musicians like Duke Ellington.
Working with Tommy Dorsey
In 1939, bandleader Tommy Dorsey wanted to create a swing band. He hired Sy Oliver to be his arranger. This was a big deal because Oliver became one of the first African Americans to have such an important role in a white band. Another Black arranger, Fletcher Henderson, had joined Benny Goodman's band a few years earlier.
Oliver helped change Dorsey's band from an older style to a modern big band sound. His joining also helped bring other great jazz players, like Buddy Rich, to Dorsey's band.
With Dorsey, Oliver continued to arrange many popular songs. His arrangement of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" was a huge hit in 1946. He also wrote famous songs like "Yes, Indeed!" and "Opus One".
Later Career and Retirement
After seven years, Sy Oliver left Tommy Dorsey's band in 1946. He then worked as a freelance arranger. He also became a music director for Decca Records.
In 1950, Sy Oliver and his Orchestra recorded the first American versions of "C'est si bon" and "La Vie en rose" for Louis Armstrong. One of his most successful projects was the 1961 Frank Sinatra album, I Remember Tommy. This album was a tribute to their former boss, Tommy Dorsey.
In 1974, Sy Oliver started playing nightly with a small band. They performed at the Rainbow Room in New York City. He continued this for ten years, until 1984. He would sometimes take time off to play at festivals or other events. Sy Oliver retired in 1984 and passed away in New York City at age 77.
Discography
Sy Oliver released many albums as a bandleader. Here are a few:
- Sway It with Flowers (1956)
- Sentimental Sy (1958)
- Back Stage (1959)
- Yes Indeed (1973)
As a Sideman or Arranger
Sy Oliver also contributed to many albums by other artists:
- With Jimmie Lunceford: Lunceford Special (1967)
- With Louis Armstrong: Satchmo Serenades (1952)
- With Ella Fitzgerald: Ella: The Legendary Decca Recordings (1995)
- With Frank Sinatra: The Popular Frank Sinatra (2015)
- With Peggy Lee: Miss Wonderful (1959) – he was the arranger and conductor.
See also
In Spanish: Sy Oliver para niños
