Irving Aaronson

Irving Aaronson (February 7, 1895 – May 10, 1963) was an American jazz pianist and big band leader.

Musician life

Born in New York, USA, Irving Aaronson learned piano from Alfred Sendry at the David Mannes School for music. His piano performances by the age of 11 could be heard in silent movie theaters (called nickelodeons).

During the 1920s and the 30s, he directed two big bands and recorded with different record companies. The first group that was formed under his name was the Versatile Sextette in the early 1920s, later renamed or renewed under the name of the Crusaders Dance Band. In 1925, it was with this band that his first ever compositions were recorded with an underground record company.

The band having success signed with the Victor label company where prior to their second music publication the band name was changed to "Irving Aaronson and his Commanders". In 1926, they thus made their second album release, the first with the Victor recording company. During the period of time that they were signed under the label Victor (from 1926 to 1929), the band got a lot of success creating the well known "Let's Misbehave", in 1927, and by Irene Bordoni's side, they appeared in Cole Porter's Broadway show, in 1928.

Through the years, the band saw a number of good musicians such as Phil Saxe, Joe Gillespie and later to be known as band leaders were Artie Shaw, Gene Krupa and Tony Pastor.

In 1935, he was the lead performer in the radio program "Irving Aaronson Orchestra" on NBC.

Later career

At 45, the MGM studios hired him as a musical supervisor, after his musician career. Less notable appearance on television include his voicing of "Mr. Nobody" in the MGM's animation named "Betty Boop for President".

Some sources say he retired at 65, other have him working till his death. He died of a heart attack in 1963, at 68 years old.

References

*Sies, Luther F. "Encyclopedia of American Radio, 1920-1960". Jefferson, NC: McFarland, 2000.

* [http://www.redhotjazz.com/aaronson.html Biography]