George Olsen and His Music

George Olsen and His Music was one of the most popular dance bands of the 1920s and early 1930s, known for their polished, upbeat style that defined the sound of the Jazz Age. Led by drummer and bandleader George Olsen, the group rose to fame through countless recordings and regular performances on radio programs and in Broadway musicals. Olsen's orchestra became a household name with their tight arrangements and smooth delivery, often featuring vocalists like Fran Frey, Bob Borger, and Ethel Shutta (who was also Olsen's wife for a time).

They recorded a number of hits for Victor Records, including classics like “Who?” and “The Varsity Drag,” and were closely associated with the music of popular Broadway shows such as "Good News." George Olsen and His Music offered a bright, elegant take on the dance band sound, bridging the gap between the roaring twenties and the swing era that followed. Their recordings remain valuable snapshots of early American popular music.

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