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Mitchell AyresAmerican musician, bandleader, arranger, composer and performer.
Date of Birth: 24.12.1909
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Mitchell Ayres: A Virtuoso in Music
- Classical Roots
- From Orchestra to Entrepreneur
- Radio and Film Success
- Collaborations and Wartime Service
- The Perry Como Era
- Radio to Television
- The Hollywood Palace and Beyond
- Tragic Demise
Mitchell Ayres: A Virtuoso in Music
Early Life and EducationMitchell Ayres, born Mitchell Agress, embarked on his musical journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on December 24, 1909. Despite enrolling at Columbia University to study physical education, his passion for music took precedence as he began performing at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Classical Roots
After graduating, Ayres honed his skills as a violinist in the Roxy Theater Orchestra, later moving to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. However, his heart yearned for popular music, which led him to leave classical music behind.
From Orchestra to Entrepreneur
In the mid-1930s, Ayres joined Jimmy Carr's Orchestra before collaborating with Abe Lyman and Jack Little. In 1937, inspired by the cooperative model, he established his own ensemble, "Fashions in Music." The group's unique approach, featuring democratic decision-making and innovative arrangements, quickly gained recognition.
Radio and Film Success
"Fashions in Music" secured a breakthrough gig at the Hotel St. George in Brooklyn and signed a record deal with Bluebird Records. Their single "Row, Row, Row" propelled them into the spotlight, leading to radio airplay and live performances across the country. In the early 1940s, they made appearances in three films.
Collaborations and Wartime Service
During World War II, Ayres served as a conductor for vocal groups such as "The Andrews Sisters." He also became music director for Columbia Records, working with renowned artists like Benny Goodman and Frank Sinatra.
The Perry Como Era
A Serendipitous PartnershipAyres' fateful meeting with Perry Como in 1944 ignited a long-lasting professional relationship. After conducting a demo recording for "The Chesterfield Supper Club," he became Como's permanent conductor in 1948.
Radio to Television
As "The Chesterfield Supper Club" transitioned from radio to television, Ayres and his orchestra loyally accompanied Como. Together, they made the move to CBS and later to NBC for "The Perry Como Show" and "Perry Como's Kraft Music Hall."
The Hollywood Palace and Beyond
In 1963, after two decades of collaboration with Como, Ayres ventured into a new chapter as the conductor for "The Hollywood Palace," a popular television variety show. He continued to lead the orchestra until his untimely demise.
Tragic Demise
On September 5, 1969, at the age of 59, Mitchell Ayres was fatally struck by a car while crossing a street in Winchester, Nevada. He had been en route to conduct for Connie Francis at the Landmark Hotel. His beloved wife, Georgianna, passed away from a heart attack a week later, leaving behind their son and daughter. They are buried together at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
