Ilja Livschakoff was a distinguished German violinist and conductor, born on November 15, 1903, in Yekaterinodar, Russia. He fled the Soviet Union after his father was killed by the Bolsheviks, relocating to Warsaw where he studied violin at the Conservatory, now known as the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music. In 1927, Livschakoff moved to Berlin, where he became a prominent figure in the music scene, particularly celebrated in the early 1930s. He led the house orchestra at the Hotel Bristol until 1932, performing salon and dance music.

Livschakoff's ensemble became one of the leading recording orchestras of the time, accompanying renowned singers such as Erwin Hartung, Leo Monosson, Max Mensing, and Paul Dorn, as well as film stars like Paul Hörbiger, Curt Bois, and Renate Müller. As a violin virtuoso, he recorded over 800 shellac records, often using pseudonyms like Fred Marley or Harry Hiller. His ensemble was also known under names like La Plata Tango Band and The Rhythm Maniacs.

Despite his success, Livschakoff, who was of Jewish descent, faced increasing restrictions after 1933. He was expelled from the Reich Chamber of Music in early 1937 and subsequently emigrated to Argentina, where he continued his career as a bandmaster. He performed in the cafés of Buenos Aires until the 1960s and frequently visited Germany privately until the 1980s. Ilja Livschakoff passed away on June 10, 1990, in Buenos Aires.