Ben Bernie
Ben Bernie | |
|---|---|
Ben Bernie as seen on early 1930s sheet music | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Benjamin Anzelevitz |
| Born | May 30, 1891 Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | October 23, 1943 (aged 52) Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz, big band, traditional pop |
| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Violin |
Benjamin Anzelevitz, known professionally as Ben Bernie (May 30, 1891 – October 20, 1943), was an American jazz violinist, bandleader, and radio personality, often introduced as "The Old Maestro". He was noted for his showmanship and memorable bits of snappy dialogue, being part of the first generation of "stars" of American popular music, alongside other artists such as Paul Whiteman (a fellow violinist and bandleader), Ted Lewis and Al Jolson.