James Edward Wilbur (1898–1968) was a British bandleader and prolifically recorded musician identified with and influential in the era of Big Band and British dance band music.[1]
Jay Wilbur | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Wilbur Blinco |
| Born | 1898 Bournemouth, Hampshire, England |
| Died | 1968 Cape Town, South Africa |
| Genres | Jazz Swing music Big band British dance band |
| Occupation(s) | Dance bandleader |
| Labels | Rex, Dominion Records, Crown, Imperial, Eclipse |
Wilbur was born Wilbur Blinco in 1898 in Leamington Spa.[2] He became recording director for Dominion Records[3] in 1928, but left Dominion shortly before its demise, and became recording manager for the Crystalate Manufacturing Company.[4] With his own name and under many pseudonyms,[5] his recordings appeared on a variety of labels, including Imperial, Eclipse, Rex and Crown.
He broadcast for the BBC in the 1930s, often featuring guest artists such as Fats Waller.[6] In 1941, he appeared as himself in the film Hi Gang!.[7] His dance band recordings often featured a young Vera Lynn on vocals, and he later accompanied Lynn on her solo releases.[8]
Jay Wilbur and His Band performed extensively for Allied military servicemembers during World War II. He is known for recording established tunes while rendering them in foxtrot style.[9]
Wilbur died in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1968.[10]
References edit
- ^ McCanna, Barry (2005). "Jay Wilbur" (PDF). Dance Band Personalities. Retrieved 4 April 2011. See also the London Band photograph (accessed 2011-04-04).
- ^ Cliffe, Peter (1990). Fascinating Rhythm. Egon Publishers Limited. ISBN 9780905858494.
- ^ Arthur Badrock (1976). "Dominion Records: a catalogue and history". Talking Machine Review.
- ^ Schleman, Hilton R. (1978). Rhythm on Record. Greenwood Press. p. 212.
- ^ Brocken, Michael (2013). Other Voices: Hidden Histories of Liverpool's Popular Music Scenes 19. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. ISBN 9781409493969. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ Taylor, Stephen (2006). Fats Waller on the Air: The Radio Broadcasts and Discography. Scarecrow Press. pp. 58–59. ISBN 9780810856561. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ Reid, John Howard (2006). More Movie Musicals: Volume 18 of Hollywood classics. Lulu. pp. 67–68. ISBN 9781411673427. Retrieved 26 December 2013.
- ^ "Vera Lynn Accompanied By Jay Wilbur And His Band – The First Lullaby / Room Five-Hundred-And-Four (1941, Shellac)". Discogs. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
- ^ For example, a 1934 rendition of "Just Awearyin' for You" w. Frank Lebby Stanton m. Carrie Jacobs-Bond: Jay Wilbur and His Band, "Just Awearyin' for You" on YouTube 1934 foxtrot rendition (accessed 2011-04-04).
- ^ Rust, Brian A. L. (1974). The Dance Bands. Arlington House. ISBN 9780870002724.