Jack Fina (1913 - 1970) was a bandleader, songwriter, and pianist.
Known as “The Ten Most Talented Fingers On Radio,” he joined Freddie Martin’s band in 1936 that and gained real fame, when he was featured on Martin’s famous recording of “Tonight We Love”.
After leaving Martin in 1946, Fina formed his own 16-piece band and his first appearance was at the Claremont Hotel “high atop the Oakland-Berekely Hills overlooking San Francisco Bay, just a few minutes drive from the city with the golden gate”.
The vocals were handled by Harry Prime and Gil Lewis. With good air time and good recordings, Fina became a national figure. Because of this, Fina appeared at the other top venues in the US, including the Waldorf-Astoria and the Aragon Ballroom.
He also appeared in several films, including Melody Time (1948) and Disc Jockey (1951). A noted songwriter, his credits included Dream Sonata (his theme song), Chango and Piano Portraits, examples of which can be found in the standard Jack Fina and His Orchestra (1949).
In the 1950s, he reduced the size of his band and settled in San Francisco. He also operated a talent agency called the Concerto Music & Entertainment Agency with his manager Al King. In the early 1960s, Fina led a small band at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he remained for a successful eight years. It was also around the same time that he appeared, as a single, on Dick Sinclair’s television show.
Fina died on May 14, 1970 from a heart attack during an engagement at the Beverly Hills Hotel. He is buried at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, California.
Enjoyed your site. I announced for Freddy Martin several years ago..it was a ball. My radio radio show is broadcast still today on several radio stations across the country. I play only the best of the Big Bands of yesterday and today.
best of luck,
Big Band Hall of Fame Inductee,
Denny Farrell
I have several request worldwide for Jack Fina recordings.
I plan on doing a Jack Fina/Freddy Martin special coming up this summer on my syndicated radio show. I need more recordings of Jack.
Thank you.
Big Band Hall of Fame Announcer
Denny Farrell
www.TheVoiceBank.com
Hi Denny, first of all I’m honoured to have “the voice” read my blog. I have dabbled in voiceovers my self but your solid US male voice is liquid gold.
Moving to the crux, unfortunately I don’t have any more Jack Fina
Hi again,
Is it possible to get a copy of the remote mentioned on this site?
Are you still voice over ?
Denny
p.s. Admin…. please give me a call when you can.
Denny, you can save the mp3 of Finian’s rainbow by doing a Right Click > Save as. It’s not the entire show, I’ve never heard the entire show.
I’m in Ireland so I can’t call the US because I my skypeout balance is down to EUR 0.85 and I’m too cheap to topup! But you can email me ambrand at ambrand dot com should you so desire. Ambrand
How is everything going..haven’t talked with you in a long time. I just got back from hosting the radio shows from Sun Valley,Idaho’s….Swing and Jazz jamboree….good times for all. On my way to New York in a couple of days to do a recreation of a 1940’s Announcer with a swing band….should be fun…then a possible show here in Chicago at the old Green Mill on the north side….Capones old bar from the 1920’s…with my old friend Gresiks band….good little swing band. Our temp is 14 here in Chicago right now…I’m going to build a fire…nite-all