Edwin Franko Goldman

About

One of America's prominent band composers of the early 20th century.

Born January 1, 1878 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Died February 21, 1956 in New York, New York.

He composed over 150 works, more notably his marches. He is known for founding the renowned Goldman Band of New York City [The Goldman Band] as well as the New York Military Band and the American Bandmasters Association. Goldman's works are known for their pleasant and catchy tunes, as well as their fine trios and solos.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, he moved to Indiana, and finally to New York City in 1887. He studied cornet from the age of nine, and, in 1893 he became a professional trumpet player, performing in such organizations as the Metropolitan Opera House orchestra alongside his uncle Nahan Franko, the orchestra's concertmaster and assistant conductor.

Goldman founded the New York Military Band in 1911, later known as the famous Goldman Band. The band played in many summer band concerts throughout New York, especially The Green at Columbia University and then The Mall in Central Park. They were also heard on many radio broadcasts. In 1929, he founded the American Bandmasters Association and served as Second Honorary Life President after John Philip Sousa.

Goldman's son Richard Franko Goldman succeeded him as conductor of the Goldman Band. For his contribution to the radio industry, Goldman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6410 Hollywood Boulevard. The Goldman Bandshell in Allentown, Pennsylvania's West Park is also named in his honor. For over 100 years, the bandshell has been the home to the Allentown Band [The Allentown Band], of which Goldman was the first guest conductor in 1927.

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