Geraldo

Gerald Walcan Bright (10 August 1904 – 4 May 1974), better known as Geraldo, was an English bandleader. He adopted the name "Geraldo" in 1930, and became one of the most popular British dance band leaders of the 1930s with his "sweet music" and his "Gaucho Tango Orchestra". During the 1940s, he modernised his style and continued to enjoy great success.

Biography Gerald Walcan Bright was born in London, where he played piano and organ and studied at the Royal Academy of Music.

Geraldo was married to Manya Leigh of London. He died in 1974 from a heart attack, age 69, while on holiday in Vevey, Switzerland.

Specialist dance band radio stations, such as Radio Dismuke, continue to play his records. Geraldo also features regularly on the Manx Radio programme Sweet & Swing, presented by Howard Caine.

"Geraldo's Navy" After World War II, Geraldo also ran an agency from his offices at 73 New Bond Street in London. In addition to booking bands for theatres and hotels, he placed musicians on transatlantic and cruise liners – in the music business this was known as "Geraldo's Navy".

Orchestra

The Geraldo Orchestra from 1940 to 1947: Gerald Bright (Geraldo), conductor Sid Bright (twin brother of Gerald) – piano Jack Collier – bass Maurice Burman – 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 Georgia Lee, Dorothy Carless, Doreen Villiers, Len Camber, Beryl Davies, J. Hunter, Johnny Green, Derek Roy, Sally Douglas – vocals.

Eric Delaney (drums) came in December 1946 and, apart from one short period, stayed until May 1954. Other noted names in the band (1946/47 period and prior) included Wally Stott, Keith Bird, Bob Adams (saxes) and Eddie Calvert (trumpet). Archie Lewis, Dick James, Margaret Rose and Carole Carr were vocalists of note.

Filmography As an actor: No Parking (1938) Dance Hall (1950) (uncredited) – orchestra leader We'll Meet Again (1943) Laugh It Off (1940)

As himself: Road House (1934) School for Stars (1935) London Melody (1937) (uncredited) Tin Pan Alley (1951)

As musical director Limelight (1936) Three Maxims (1936) Sunset in Vienna (1937) Millions (1937)

Discography Geraldo And His Orchestra (World 1974) Hello Again ... Again (Transatlantic 1976) 50 Hits Of The Naughty 40s (Pickwick 1977) Gerry's Music Shop (Decca 1980) Heart And Soul (HMV 1983) Jealousy (with the Gaucho Tango Orchestra) (Parlophone 1983) The Golden Age Of Geraldo (EMI 1986) The Man And His Music (EMI 1992) The Dance Band Years (Pulse 1997)