Dave's Music Database Hall of Fame: Music Maker Inductees (June 2020)

Originally posted 6/22/2020. January 22, 2019 marked the 10-year anniversary of the DMDB blog! To honor that, Dave’s Music Database announced its own Hall of Fame. This sixth batch of music maker inductees celebrates the top Pre-Rock-Era Acts, as determined by rankings in Joel Whitburn’s Pop Memories 1890-1954. These are the top 10 from that list who were not previously inducted. Previous inductees in this category were Henry Burr, Bing Crosby, Tommy Dorsey, Guy Lombardo, Billy Murray, Frank Sinatra, and Paul Whiteman.

Perry Como (1912-2001) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Italian-American traditional pop crooner born Pierino Ronald Como in Canonsburg, PA. Left his hometown barber shop to sing with Freddie Carlone’s local band in 1933; about four years later Ted Weems hired him as a featured vocalist. When the Weems band broke up in 1942, he secured a local CBS radio show. Once he started recording the following year there was no stopping him. Como’s relaxed style and romantic vocals made his TV series a popular favorite from the early ‘50s to 1963. His version of “Some Enchanted Evening” is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.

Jimmy Dorsey (1904-1957) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Bandleader born in Shenandoah, PA. Used his vast skills as alto-saxophonist and clarinetist with a multitude of bands during the late ‘20s and early ‘30s. He and his brother Tommy Dorsey played with others and each other as the Dorsey Brothers before Jimmy struck out on his own in 1935. “Amapola (Pretty Little Poppy),” “Tangerine,” and “Besame Mucho” are in the DMDB’s top 1% of songs. Read more.

Benny Goodman (1909-1986) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Jazz clarinetist and bandleader born in Chicago, Illinois. Known as "The King of Swing" for ushering in more dance-oriented jazz. Was in a band by age 14. Worked with multiple noted artists before forming his own band in 1934. He launched the careers of many other jazz musicians including guitarist Charlie Christian and drummer Gene Krupa and was one of the first to lead integrated jazz groups. His 1/16/1938 Carnegie Hall concert in New York is, as All Music Guide’s Bruce Eder called it, “the single most important jazz or popular music concert in history.” Read more.

Al Jolson (1886-1950) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Jazz singer born Asa Yoelson in St. Petersburg, Russia. One of the greatest popular entertainers in American history, becoming a star with minstrel shows, vaudeville, Broadway, and movies, specifically in 1927’s The Jazz Singer, which ushered in the age of sound motion pictures. “You Made Me Love You, I Didn't Want to Do It,” “Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody,” “Swanee,” “April Showers,” and “Sonny Boy” are featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.

Sammy Kaye (1910-1987) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Jazz/big band leader born Samuel Zamocay, Jr. in Lakewood, Ohio. Durable leader of popular “sweet” dance band with the slogan “Swing and Sway with Sammy Kaye.” Also clarinet and alto saxman, as well as a composer (“Remember Pearl Harbor”). His song “Daddy” is in the DMDB’s top 1% of songs. Read more.

Ted Lewis (1890-1971) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Bandleader, clarinetist, and singer born Theodore Friedman in Circleville, Ohio. Sometime songwriter (his theme “When My Baby Smiles at Me”) whose showmanship was honed during early years in vaudeville. His famous slogan was “Is everybody happy?” “On the Sunny Side of the Street” is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.

Harry Macdonough (1871-1931) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Tenor singer born John Scantlebury MacDonald in Ontario, Canada. Second only to Henry Burr among the great ballad singers of recordings’ pioneer pre-1920 era. Worked with the Edison Male Quartette, Haydn Quartet, Orpheus Quartet, Lyric Quartet, and Victor Light Opera Co. Was a top record company executive after World War I. “Shine on, Harvest Moon” and “Down by the Old Mill Stream” are featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.

Glenn Miller (1904-1944) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

Jazz/big band leader born Alton Glenn Miller on 3/1/1904 in Clarinda, IA. Led of the most universally beloved of all big bands. Played trombone and did arrangements for others before starting his own band in 1937. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in September 1942, and formed the war’s most famous service band. Died on 12/15/1944 when his plane was lost over the English Channel. “In the Mood” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” are featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.

Peerless Quartet (active 1907-1928) Inducted June 2020 as “Top Pre-Rock-Era Act.”

All-time great vocal group which began as the Columbia Male Quartet. Members included Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Steve Porter, Frank Stanley, Arthur Collins, John Meyer, and Frank Croxton. Their song “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” is featured in the DMDB book The Top 100 Songs of the Pre-Rock Era, 1890-1953. Read more.