Bernie Witkowski

New York City clarinet, bandleader (December 10, 1913 New York, NY - 1986 Hillside, NJ) The son and nephew of clarinet players, Bernie also played the piano, accordion, organ, saxophone, and drums. From age 16, he performed on the radio as part of the Orzel Biały (White Eagle) Orchestra. In 1932, Witkowski, together with fellow Orzel Biały musician Edward Bebko, formed the Silver Bell Orchestra and a smaller ensemble, called Trzy Gałgany (Three Ragamuffins). Both ensembles performed on the radio and, from 1934, made numerous recordings for Victor's International Series (5) and labels specialized on Polish or international ethnic music, such as Dana, Standard (6), Standard International, and his own label, Stella Records (2).