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THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

HAROLD ARLEN

As Hyman became Harold, things began to take off for him as a pianist, singer and arranger. He was invited to join a local band, the Yankee Six, that was very popular on the collegiate dance circuit. Before long, the band grew into an 11-man group, the Buffalodians, and became the most popular band around town. Besides playing college and society dates, the band played in Geyer's Ballroom in downtown Buffalo. It was there that Hal met a young dancer from Boston named Ray Bolger, who later played the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz” and became one of Hal’s best friends. As a member of the Buffalodians, known for its modern jazz arrangements, 20 year old Harold was earning an average $110 a week, a princely sum in those days. The Buffalodians decided to take their act on the road.

In 1925, the Buffalodians played Cleveland, Pittsburgh and New York, where they actually played the Palace. Ray Bolger was already in New York, and the two decided to share an apartment in Manhattan.

”MINOR GAFF”

Although Hal spent most of his time arranging, playing piano and singing, he collaborated with Dick George in 1926 to compose “Minor Gaff.” Hal wasn’t happy with his last name, Arluck, so he changed it to something that sounded more like his mother’s maiden name, Orlin. Hyman Arluck was now Harold Arlen.

Note that although this is an electric recording, there is a tuba backing the bass line as though it were still an acoustic recording.

Charley Straight: “Minor Gaff”