Geraldo(1904-1974)

Pianist (a child prodigy) and band leader, trained at London's Royal Academy of Music. The son of a master tailor, Geraldo began as a relief pianist at a cinema on the Old Kent Road and then played organ at a restaurant in London. He first fronted his 'Light Orchestra' -- under his real name, Gerald Bright -- at the Hotel Majestic at St. Anne's-on-Sea for a five-year residency. After touring South America to study Latin rhythms and collect arrangements, he created the 'Geraldo Tango Gaucho Band' and briefly became 'The Tango King' of England, based for ten years at the Savoy from where he made more than 2000 broadcasts. By 1933, he led a more conventional dance orchestra under the tag line 'Geraldo & His Sweet Music' with "Hello, Again" as his signature song. He revamped this organisation yet again in the 1940's and 50's, transforming it into one of the foremost American-styled swing bands in Britain, particularly after the inclusion of trumpeter Leslie Jiver Hutchinson, saxophonist/arranger George Evans, guitarist Ivor Mairants and saxophonist Harry Hayes.

In addition to his prolific broadcasts for BBC radio and numerous recordings for Decca and Parlophone, Geraldo also sidelined as musical director for Herbert Wilcox's British & Dominions film studio from 1935 to 1940. During World War II, he took on another job as Supervisor of Bands for ENSA and conducted several tours of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. After the war, he became involved with band management, supplying ensembles (popularly known as 'Geraldo's Navy') to perform on Cunard ocean liners. In the mid-1950's, he became musical director for Scottish television after retiring as a band leader.