June 22, 1903 – June 7, 1971

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Drummer Ben Pollack was born June 22, 1903, in Chicago, Illinois.

A pioneering jazz drummer and bandleader whose early contributions helped shape the foundations of swing. Born in Chicago, he began his career in the 1920s, performing with the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and later forming his own band, the Ben Pollack Orchestra.

Pollack’s band became a launching pad for some of the greatest names in jazz, including Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, and Harry James. His keen eye for talent and innovative approach to rhythm earned him the nickname “The Father of Swing.”

One of his major highlights was the 1928 hit recording “Room 1411” with Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller, showcasing a forward-thinking swing style that was ahead of its time. Beyond his drumming, Pollack’s legacy lives on through the legendary musicians he mentored and the swing movement he helped ignite.

Here is Ben Pollack and his Park Central Orchestra in 1929, performing three tunes: ‘California Echoes,’ ‘My Kind of Love,’ and ‘Song of the Islands.’

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