The Ramblers

Dutch dance orchestra, formed in 1926 by Theo Uden Masman. It was very popular in The Netherlands with a repertory of jazz and popular tunes, and recorded backing Coleman Hawkins in 1935 and 1937, Benny Carter in 1937 and Freddy Johnson (5) in 1937-1938. In 1942 German law forced the group to change its name to Het Dansorkest. The group continued to be led by Masman until 1964, when it changed its name to VARA-Dansorkest (VARA after Verenigde Arbeiders Radio, on which it played) and its repertory to one of entirely popular music. In the mid-1980s it was led by Marcel Thielemans. Other spin-offs of The Ramblers included Het Ramblers Quintet and Het Ramblers Tonette Trio.