Roy Fox Orchestra - Harbor Lights (1937) video free download

"Harbor Lights"

Lyrics - Jimmy Kennedy

Music - Will Grosz

Performed by Roy Fox and His Orchestra

Vocal chorus by Barry Gray

Recorded 1937

Victor 25593

Roy Fox (1901 - 1982) was an American bandleader in the late 1920s who went on to greater fame in England during the 1930s. He had early cornet work on a summer job at Santa Monica, California and soon after he joined Abe Lyman. At 19 he led a 19 piece band at Club Royale in Culver City Calif. Later played choice spots in Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City. A 15-month run at Hollywood's Cocoanut Grove, then at Montmartre Cafe. Recorded in the late 1920s, including sides co-featured with singer Jane Pursell. Supervisor of Music for Fox Studios for sound movies in the late 1920s. In 1929, took seven-piece American Band to England, first job at Cafe de Paris in London. Remained in England and became musical director of Decca Records. Formed outstanding sweet-swing band that quickly became one of England's most popular (1931-32). Played London's Monseigneur Restaurant. Al Bowlly featured vocalist, Lew Stone, piano and Nat Gonella (trumpet and vocalist) in band. Used "Whispering" as theme song. Career often curtailed for health reasons in the 1930s. During World War II, Fox lived in California. At war's end, back to England, attempted to resume as bandleader. Post-war economics wouldn't support big band. Late 1947 music-hall tour unsuccessful, hampered by snowstorms. In 1952 abandoned comeback try and later became agent in English show business.

Vocalist, Barry Gray (aka Eric Pountain), is the older brother of Denny Dennis who also was a vocalist with the Roy Fox Orchestra.