Uploaded April 2017 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Song is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
George Olsen and his Music with Vocal Chorus
Recorded November 1, 1927
Victor 21040-B
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 empressario 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.
The Song is Ended (But the Melody Lingers On)
Words and Music by Irving Berlin
George Olsen and his Music with Vocal Chorus
Recorded November 1, 1927
Victor 21040-B
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 empressario 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.
