Jan Savitt & the Top Hatters
| Jan Savitt | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Jacob Savetnick |
| Born |
September 4, 1907 Shumsk, Russian Empire |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Died | October 4, 1948 (aged 41) Sacramento, California |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Bandleader, arranger, musician |
| Instruments | Violin |
| Associated acts | The Top Hatters; George Tunnell |
Jan Savitt (born Jacob Savetnick; September 4, 1907 – October 4, 1948), known as "The Stokowski of Swing", after having played violin in Stokowski's orchestra, was an American bandleader, musical arranger, and violinist.
Savitt was born in Shumsk, then part of the Russian Empire (now part of Ukraine) and reared in Philadelphia. He evidenced musical ability an early age and began winning conservatory scholarships in the study of the violin. He was offered the position of concert master in Leopold Stokowski's Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra, but turned it down, preferring to continue his studies at Curtis Institute. About a year later, believing himself ready, he joined Stokowski and the association continued for seven years, during which time Savitt gained further laurels as a concert soloist and leader of a string quartet. Savitt was married to model Barbara Ann Stillwell from 1940 until his death in 1948, and had one daughter with her, Jo Ann, in 1943. Jo Ann was married to Joel Douglas, son of Kirk, from 2004 until her death in 2013.
His band The Top Hatters was formed in 1937 and began touring the following year. Their songs include "720 in the Books", "It's A Wonderful World" and his theme songs "Quaker City Jazz" and "From Out of Space". Savitt was one of the first of the big band leaders to feature an African American vocalist, George Tunnell (named "Bon Bon"). His other vocalists were Carlotta Dale, Allan DeWitt, Joe Martin, and Gloria DeHaven. His band names include Jan Savitt & His Top Hatters, the Jan Savitt String Orchestra and Jan Savitt & His Orchestra. Jan Savitt's Top Hatters included Dorsey, Jack, and Charlotte Kay (Charlotte Dubin Broselow Woodward). In 1938, Jan Savitt & His Top Hatters broadcast from 5–5:30 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as the KYW staff orchestra at KYW/NBC in Philadelphia. Saturday's weekly broadcast was one hour, coast-to-coast. The group also played at the Earl Theatre and performed with The Andrews Sisters and The Three Stooges.
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