Uploaded March 2016 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Old Man Sunshine (Little Boy Bluebird)
Words by Mort Dixon, music by Harry Warren
George Olsen and His Music, Vocal refrain by Fran Frey
Recorded June 12, 1928
Victor 21566
George Olsen (1893 - 1971) was a popular bandleader especially during the 1920s and 1930s. The band featured vocalist-wife Ethel Shutta and male vocalist Fran Frey. Consistent sweet style ideal for hotels. Attended University of Michigan and had a band there. In 1919 led band in Portland, by 1923 well-known on west coast. Work with entertainer Fanny Brice led to stage work for impresario Flo Ziegfeld. First big break in hit Broadway musical "Kid Boots" (1924), later in year Ziegfeld Follies of 1924. In hit musical "Sunny" (1925); 1925 hit record "Who?" from show thereafter associated with Olsen. In hit show "Good News" (1927) and "Whoopee" (1928), early sound movies "Happy Days" and "Whoopee" (1930). Between shows played New York clubs and hotels. Olsen married Ethel Shutta 1926, featured her through the years. Recorded leading show and popular tunes late 1920s and early 1930s. Many radio appearances included Jack Pearl show 1934, Tim and Irene show 1938, own show 1936 featuring wife. In 1930s on west coast. By mid-1930s popularity and recordings waned. Olsen took over Orville Knapp band 1936 shortly after Knapp's death. World War II entertained US troops. Late 1930s and 1940s band lost popularity. Olsen retired as bandleader 1951, later had restaurant in Paramous, New Jersey that featured tapes of his old records.
I have two other renditions of this sing posted:
Leo Reisman: youtu.be/Rchr81dIQAo
Lee Morse: youtu.be/FvobmK3V32g
Old Man Sunshine (Little Boy Bluebird)
Words by Mort Dixon, music by Harry Warren
George Olsen and His Music, Vocal refrain by Fran Frey
Recorded June 12, 1928
Victor 21566
George Olsen (1893 - 1971) was a popular bandleader especially during the 1920s and 1930s. The band featured vocalist-wife Ethel Shutta and male vocalist Fran Frey. Consistent sweet style ideal for hotels. Attended University of Michigan and had a band there. In 1919 led band in Portland, by 1923 well-known on west coast. Work with entertainer Fanny Brice led to stage work for impresario Flo Ziegfeld. First big break in hit Broadway musical "Kid Boots" (1924), later in year Ziegfeld Follies of 1924. In hit musical "Sunny" (1925); 1925 hit record "Who?" from show thereafter associated with Olsen. In hit show "Good News" (1927) and "Whoopee" (1928), early sound movies "Happy Days" and "Whoopee" (1930). Between shows played New York clubs and hotels. Olsen married Ethel Shutta 1926, featured her through the years. Recorded leading show and popular tunes late 1920s and early 1930s. Many radio appearances included Jack Pearl show 1934, Tim and Irene show 1938, own show 1936 featuring wife. In 1930s on west coast. By mid-1930s popularity and recordings waned. Olsen took over Orville Knapp band 1936 shortly after Knapp's death. World War II entertained US troops. Late 1930s and 1940s band lost popularity. Olsen retired as bandleader 1951, later had restaurant in Paramous, New Jersey that featured tapes of his old records.
I have two other renditions of this sing posted:
Leo Reisman: youtu.be/Rchr81dIQAo
Lee Morse: youtu.be/FvobmK3V32g
