Karel Vacek

Czech vocalist, trumpet player, trombonist, composer, arranger, band leader. Born March 21, 1902 in Liberec (former Austro-Hungarian Empire, presently Czech Republic), died August 18, 1982 in Prague (former Czechoslovakia). Member of R. A. Dvorský’s “Melody Boys” 1929–1932, Jaroslav Ježek’s orchestras 1935–1938, R. A. Dvorský Orchestra 1938–1941, vocalist with the “Ultraphon Duo” in the 1930s and 1940s. Leader of his own dance orchestra 1942–1946, brass band conductor 1974–1977. Composer of “Cikánka” (1931) and “Čtyři páry bílejch koní” (1940), among others. Although Vacek as a musician used to perform mainly with jazz-influenced dance orchestras, later as a composer he preferred – and is best remembered for – polkas, marches and waltzes.