Died On This Date (July 27, 2012) Tony Martin / Popular American Actor & Singer; Career Spanned 76 Years
themusicsover Tony Martin (Born Alvin Morris)
December 25, 1913 – July 27, 2012
Tony Martin was a beloved American actor and singer who, over a career that ran from 1933 until his retirement in 2009 appeared in over two dozen films and released some 45 hit records. On par with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, Martin built a sizable – mostly female – following thanks to his warm baritone croon. Martin was just 10 when he was given a saxophone by his grandmother, and when he got into high school, he formed his first band. He soon joined a local orchestra where he performed alongside future jazz legend, Woody Herman. After graduating from college, Martin moved to Hollywood where he set his sights on acting. Over the next several years, he worked in films with the likes of Fred Astaire and the Marx Brothers. During the late ’30s and early ’40s, Martin made numerous records for Decca and later recorded for Mercury. His hits included “I Hadn’t Anyone Till You,” “It’s A Blue World,” and “I Get Ideas.” After WWII, Martin hosted his own variety show for NBC and went on to star in many popular musicals of the day. In 1948, he married actress Cyd Charisse with whom he stayed until her passing in 2008 – 60 years. Tony Martin retired after 76 years in show business in 2009, and died of natural causes on July 27, 2012. He was 98.
Thanks to Paul Bearer for the assist.
What You Should Own
Dick Kniss was a talented bassist who is best remembered for his tenure with both singer-songwriter, 
Bill Chase, John Emma, Wally Yohn and Walter Clark were members Chase, an early ’70s jazz rock band whose sound was not dissimilar to Chicago or Blood, Sweat & Tears. Formed in the late ’60s by Bill Chase, a trumpet player who had previously played with 
Dave Carpenter was a much respected jazz bassist who, most recently was playing in a trio alongside Peter Erskine and Alan Pasqua. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Carpenter first took up the trumpet but switched to bass by his early teens. After graduating from college, he played with three of jazz’s then living greatest talents,