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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZOLIVER, Sy(b Melvin James Oliver, 17 Dec. '10, Battle Creek MI; d 28 May '88) Trumpeter, vocalist, composer, arranger. Raised in Ohio, both parents music teachers. Worked with Jimmie Lunceford '33--9 and was largely responsible for that popular band's style, combining its sheer ability to play with a two-beat emphasis that dancers loved at a time when most swing bands were playing 4/4: humour and style made it unique. 'Organ Grinder's Swing' was a silly tune which made a classic record because of its superb arrangement; Oliver contributed vocals on 'My Blue Heaven', 'Tain't Whatcha Do' and 'Ain't She Sweet'; other hits incl. 'By The River St Marie', 'For Dancers Only' etc. Lured away by Tommy Dorsey's ability to pay more (and helping Dorsey to lure Buddy Rich to the band with promises of drum features), he wrote more Swing Era classics 'Easy Does It', 'Swing High', 'Well, Git It!', 'Opus No. 1'; shared a vocal with Jo Stafford on 'Yes Indeed!'. Led own band '46, worked for record companies incl. Decca for a decade, freelance work incl. album I Remember Tommy '61 for Frank Sinatra. Led a band in NYC mid-'70, again late '70s--early '80s. Own LPs incl. Jimmie Lunceford Arrangements In Hi-Fi on Decca, others on Decca and Dot; with Chris Connor on Bethlehem '56. |