Savoy Sultans

The Savoy Sultans was an American swing band that was active from 1937 to 1946.

The band was founded in 1937 in New York by the alto saxophonist Al Cooper. The band quickly became popular and was a successful dance band to perform until 1941 at the Savoy Ballroom, along with the Chick Webb Orchestra and both were together feared by participating artists because of their popularity in the Battle of the Bands. In the heyday of swing bands, the orchestra was considered one of the leading North American dance bands. In it played at this time, among others, trumpeter Pat Jenkins, who is considered most outstanding soloist of the band and the saxophonist Rudy Williams and George Kelly, bass guitarist Grachan Moncur II; as singers appeared at the Savoy Sultans Betty Roche (1941 /42) and Helen Procter and Evelyn White. Their music consisted of simple head- arrangements and short solos, but was very popular with dancers. Between 1938 and 1941 made ​​recordings for Decca Records in seven recording sessions. 1974 there was a revival of the Savoy Sultans through the swing drummer Panama Francis.

Discography (selection)

  • Al Cooper 's Savoy Sultans: 1938-1941 ( Classics )
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