The Benson Orchestra Of Chicago

Established by Cellist, Impresario and Band Manager, Edgar A. Benson in 1920, the band became one of the most popular dance bands of the early 1920s. Based at the Marigold Gardens (a location frequented by Chicago's mob members) the band was initially directed by pianist and arranger [a301351]. Other members were: [a3319390] - clarinet, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone [a3319392] - trumpet [a3319388] - trombone [a3319391] - tenor saxophone [a3319389] - violin [a3172889] - banjo [a3319393] - bass saxophone, tuba Albert Walthall - violin [a1790356] - drums The tune "Na Jo", recorded in 1921, has been cited as the first recording of "stop-time" playing; other early successes included "Ain't We Got Fun?" and "Wabash Blues", which reportedly sold some 750,000 copies. [a301351] left the band in 1922 after an argument with Benson, and many of the musicians left with him. He was replaced as bandleader and pianist by [a2901405], and new band members included saxophonist [a301376] and, in the mid 1920s, drummer [a258689]. The band continued to record successfully, with hits including one of the first recordings of "Tea for Two" in 1925. That year, [a2901405] left, and trumpeter [a736969] took over as leader. Thereafter the band continued to disintegrate, although its name continued to be used on records until the end of the 1920s.

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