The Benson Orchestra Of Chicago

Established by Cellist, Impresario and Band Manager, Edgar A. Benson in 1920, the band became one of the most popular dance bands of the early 1920s. Based at the Marigold Gardens (a location frequented by Chicago's mob members) the band was initially directed by pianist and arranger Roy Bargy. Other members were: Matthew Amaturo - clarinet, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone Rick Adkins - trumpet Guy Carey - trombone Thomas Thatcher - tenor saxophone Joe Baum (3) - violin Joe Miller (12) - banjo William Foeste - bass saxophone, tuba Albert Walthall - violin Arthur Layfield - drums The tune "Na Jo", recorded in 1921, has been cited as the first recording of "stop-time" playing; other early successes included "Ain't We Got Fun?" and "Wabash Blues", which reportedly sold some 750,000 copies. Roy Bargy left the band in 1922 after an argument with Benson, and many of the musicians left with him. He was replaced as bandleader and pianist by Don Bestor, and new band members included saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer and, in the mid 1920s, drummer Gene Krupa. The band continued to record successfully, with hits including one of the first recordings of "Tea for Two" in 1925. That year, Don Bestor left, and trumpeter Frederick Hamm took over as leader. Thereafter the band continued to disintegrate, although its name continued to be used on records until the end of the 1920s.