Carlos Jesus "Buddy" Moreno (July 14, 1912 – November 29, 2015) was an American musician during the swing era and radio and television personality.
Buddy Moreno | |
|---|---|
| Born | Carlos Jesus Moreno July 14, 1912 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | November 29, 2015 (aged 103) Florissant, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, bandleader, radio and television personality |
| Years active | 1929–69; 1996–? |
In his book, The Big Bands, jazz writer George T. Simon described Moreno as "a grinning, seemingly ever-joyous guitarist ... who on novelty and uptempoed [sic] tunes projected a pleasant personality and voice to match."[1]
Moreno was born in Los Angeles, California, as the only child to a Spanish father and an Irish mother.[2] He was reported to be a cousin of actress Rita Moreno.[3] He attended the University of California before leaving to join the orchestra of Anson Weeks.[4]
His career began in 1929 when he sang in a vocal group. His big breakthrough came in 1933 when he joined Griff Williams's band in San Francisco as a singer and guitar player. Later he became a part of popular bandleader Dick Jurgens' orchestra. Moreno and Jurgens recorded many songs through the label Okeh Records, charting the number one hit "One Dozen Roses" in 1942.[citation needed] Moreno changed band once more, in 1943, when he joined Harry James' band.
Moreno appeared in the films Two Girls and a Sailor (1944)[4] and Bathing Beauty (1944) along with the rest of the band.[5] He formed his own band in 1947 with his wife, singer Perri Mitchell and others.[6]
Beginning June 30, 1958, Moreno had a local television program, The Buddy Moreno Show, on KMOX-TV in St. Louis, Missouri.[7]
He relocated to St. Louis in the 1950s,[8] when his band was selected to be the house band in The Chase Park Plaza Hotel's Chase Club, which led to a national radio program, Saturdays at the Chase.[9] As he approached his 60s, he switched to radio and worked for the local stations WIL-FM, WEW and WSIE.[10]
In the 1960s, Moreno traveled with Bob Hope to entertain American military personnel around the world.[3]
Personal life edit
In 1950, Moreno wed Perri Mitchell, whom he had hired as a singer for his band in 1947. They were married until her death in 1998.[9]
Death edit
Moreno died at a Florissant, Missouri, assisted-living facility on November 29, 2015, at the age of 103.[11] He was buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.[9]
References edit
- ^ Simon, George T. (1981). The Big Bands (4th ed.). New York, New York: Schirmer Books. p. 281. ISBN 0-02-872430-5.
- ^ "Radio Listener's Mailbox". The Milwaukee Journal. July 18, 1943. Archived from the original on May 2, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ a b "Nationally known musician and composer was Humboldt visitor". The Humboldt Republican. Iowa, Humboldt. June 15, 1966. p. 1. Retrieved June 28, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b "Buddy Moreno Orchestra To Head Next TBIYTC Show". Wilmington News-Journal. Ohio, Wilmington. March 16, 1949. p. 7. Retrieved June 28, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Buddy Moreno-biography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ "Fine Entertainment Program Scheduled For Fair Features Buddy Moreno, Other Stars". Gettysburg Times. September 7, 1948. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ Jones, John N. (June 21, 1958). "TV digest". Alton Evening Telegraph. Illinois, Alton. p. 12. Retrieved June 28, 2016 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Dancehall of the Mind". St. Louis Journalism Review. March 1, 2006. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ a b c Holleman, Joe (December 1, 2015). "Bandleader/singer Carlos 'Buddy' Moreno dies at 103". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Missouri, St. Louis. Retrieved 28 June 2016.
- ^ "Radio interview with Buddy Moreno". wyyr.com. July 14, 2012. Retrieved July 27, 2014.
- ^ "Obituary: Carlos 'Buddy' Moreno, a swing-era singer and bandleader, had the number one hit in '42". stlouispublicradio.org. November 30, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2015.
External links edit
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