Gerald Bright

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Geraldo (Gerald Walcan Bright) (August 10, 1904, London, England, May 4, 1974, Vevey, Switzerland) was a British bandleader.

London-born Gerald Bright adopted the name "Geraldo" to become one of the most popular dance-band leaders of the '30s with his "sweet music" and his "Gaucho Tango Orchestra". During the '40s, he modernized his style to continue enjoying great success.

He played piano and organ and studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Geraldo started his career as a pianist playing for silent films.

Geraldo was a major figure on the British entertainment scene for four decades, having fronted just about every kind of ensemble and influenced the successful careers of numerous top singers. For his broadcasts he varied the style of his orchestra quite considerably, and a particular series "Tip Top Tunes" (employing a full string section alongside the usual dance band) enjoyed great popularity. Several commercial recordings were made, spotlighting the considerable arranging talents of the young Angela Morley (b. 1924), heard on this CD in March Of The Toys.

On his return to London in 1930 he changed his name to Geraldo.

Over the years, most of the UK's top musicians played with Geraldo's orchestra, including Ted Heath, who played first trombone in the orchestra before leaving to form his own band.

The Geraldo Orchestra from 1940 to 1947: Gerald Bright (Geraldo), Conductor

Sid Bright (twin brother of Gerald), Piano

Jack Collier, Bass

Maurice Berman, Drums

Ivor Mairants, Guitar

Alfie Noakes, Basil Jones, Flash Shields, Leslie Hutchinson, Trumpets

Ted Heath, Eric Tann, Joe Ferrie, Jimmy Coombes, Trombones

Harry Hayes (Chipper), Nat Temple, Dougie Robinson, George Evans, Arthur Birkby, Phil Goody, Saxes

Dorothy Carless, Doreen Villiers, Len Camber, Beryl Davies, J. Hunter, Johnny Green, Vocals.

Geraldo died from a heart attack while on holiday in Switzerland. In 1993 a new Geraldo Orchestra, directed by trombonist Chris Dean, toured the UK provinces.