Waring's Pennsylvanians

Biography

Fred Waring, the founder and leader of Waring's Pennsylvanians, was born Fredrick Malcolm Waring on June 9, 1900, in Tyrone, Pennsylvania. In his teenage years, alongside his brother Tom Waring and friends Poley McClintock and Freddy Buck, he formed the Waring-McClintock Snap Orchestra at Pennsylvania State University in 1918, which evolved into Fred Waring's Banjo Orchestra and later Waring's Pennsylvanians by 1922. Initially performing at fraternity parties, proms, and local dances, the group gained widespread popularity with hits like 'Sleep' in 1923 and 'Collegiate' in 1925, becoming one of Victor Records' best-selling bands from 1923 to 1932. Waring studied architectural engineering at Penn State but left to pursue music full-time after rejection from the Penn State Glee Club due to tensions with director Dr. Clarence Robinson.

The band's career shifted in the 1930s toward radio dominance, hosting shows sponsored by brands like Old Gold and Chesterfield, though Waring abruptly stopped recording in 1932 to focus on live performances. He innovated by adding choral elements, recruiting Robert Shaw to train singers, transforming the group from a jazz-oriented ensemble into a renowned choral act known for precise, enthusiastic singing. During World War II, they performed at war bond rallies and for troops, and Waring expanded into television with 'The Fred Waring Show' (1948-1954). He also owned the Shawnee Inn from 1943 to 1974, centering operations there, and founded Shawnee Press and the Fred Waring Choral Workshop in 1947 to train musicians.

Waring's legacy as 'America's Singing Master' endured into the 1970s with the Young Pennsylvanians adapting to contemporary styles. The group remained active until his death from a stroke on July 29, 1984, at his summer home in State College, Pennsylvania. Known for pioneering choral arrangements, radio, and TV, Waring's Pennsylvanians influenced American popular music and broadcasting.

Fun Facts

• Waring abruptly quit recording in 1932 because he felt it competed with his radio show, resuming only in 1942.
• Fred Waring developed and marketed the Waring Blendor, the first modern electric blender, becoming its financial backer and eponym.
• The band starred in the early sound film 'Syncopation' in 1929 and had a hit with the controversial 'Love for Sale' in 1930, one of few period versions with vocals.
• Waring owned the Shawnee Inn from 1943-1974 and hosted annual events for the National Cartoonists Society, amassing a collection of artwork on hotel stationery.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dr. Clarence Robinson - Penn State Glee Club director whose rejection due to college politics influenced Waring's independent path (None direct; led to formation of own band) [1910s-1920s]

Key Collaborators

• Tom Waring - Brother and co-founder of the band (Waring's Pennsylvanians hits like 'Sleep' and 'Collegiate') [1918-1984]
• Poley McClintock - Friend and co-founder of original orchestra (Waring-McClintock Snap Orchestra evolving to Pennsylvanians) [1918-1920s]
• Freddy Buck - Friend and early band member (Formation of band at Penn State) [1918-1920s]
• Robert Shaw - Recruited to train the band's men's singing group (Choral arrangements for radio and performances) [1930s]
• Pembroke Davenport - Pianist and arranger for the band (Arrangements for Waring's ensemble) [1930s-1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Robert Shaw - Trained by Waring; adopted Waring glee club sound in his work; became preeminent choral conductor (Robert Shaw Chorale recordings, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus) [1930s onward]

External Links

• Spotify