BERT LOWN AND HIS HOTEL BILTMORE ORCHESTRA

Biography

Bert Lown (born Albert Charles Lown; June 6, 1903 – November 20, 1962) was an American violinist, orchestra leader, and songwriter who became a prominent figure in jazz-oriented dance music during the 1920s and 1930s.[1] Born in White Plains, New York, Lown began his musical career as a sideman playing violin in Fred Hamm's band before establishing himself as a bandleader.[1] His most famous ensemble, the Biltmore Hotel Orchestra, became one of the era's notable dance bands and made extensive recordings for Victor Records, establishing "Bye Bye Blues" as the orchestra's signature song.[1][3]

Lown's compositional contributions extended beyond his most famous work, including songs such as "You're The One I Care For," "Tired," and "By My Side."[1] By the mid-1930s, he transitioned away from leading orchestras, becoming a booking agent and manager before eventually leaving the music industry entirely.[1] He later moved into executive positions in the television industry, marking a significant career shift from his earlier prominence in jazz and dance music. Lown died of a heart attack in 1962 in Portland, Oregon.[1]

Fun Facts

• Bert Lown sometimes performed under the pseudonym "Bert Lee," adding an additional layer to his musical identity.[1]
• The Biltmore Hotel Orchestra recorded prolifically across multiple record labels between 1929-1933, including recordings for Columbia dime store labels (Diva, Harmony, Velvet Tone), Plaza/ARC labels (Banner, Cameo, Pathe, Perfect, Jewel, Regal, Conqueror), and Victor Records, with some releases appearing on rare specialty labels like Sunrise and Fox Movietone.[1]
• "Bye Bye Blues," composed in 1925 or 1930, became so iconic that it was officially designated as the signature song of Bert Lown and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra and is now preserved in the National Museum of American History.[3]
• Lown composed "Thumbs Up," which served as the theme song for the British War Relief Society in 1941, demonstrating his contributions extended beyond dance music into wartime charitable efforts.[1]

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Fred Hamm - Early bandleader and collaborator who employed Lown as a sideman and later co-composed with him ("Bye Bye Blues" (co-composer)) [1920s-1930s]

Key Collaborators

• Frank Cush - Trumpet player in Bert Lown and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra (Hotel Biltmore Orchestra recordings) [1930]
• Ed Farley - Trumpet player in Bert Lown and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra (Hotel Biltmore Orchestra recordings) [1930]
• Al Philburn - Trombonist in Bert Lown and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra (Hotel Biltmore Orchestra recordings) [1930]
• Elmer Feldkamp - Vocalist with Bert Lown and His Hotel Biltmore Orchestra ("You're The One I Care For" (1930)) [1930]
• Moe Jaffe - Songwriting collaborator (Various compositions) [1920s-1930s]
• Jack O'Brien - Pianist and songwriting collaborator (Various compositions) [1920s-1930s]
• Chauncey Gray - Co-composer of "Bye Bye Blues" ("Bye Bye Blues") [1925 or 1930]
• Dave Bennett - Co-composer of "Bye Bye Blues" ("Bye Bye Blues") [1925 or 1930]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia