Ted Fio Rito
Ted Fio Rito, born Theodore Salvatore Fiorito on December 20, 1900, in Newark, New Jersey, was a prominent American bandleader, composer, and musician known for his work on the piano and Hammond organ. He was the son of Italian immigrants, with his mother having a background in light opera. Fio Rito began his music career as a teenager, working as a pianist in Columbia's New York City recording studio in 1919. He collaborated with several well-known lyricists, such as Gus Kahn and Sam Lewis, and composed over 100 songs, including hits like "Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye" and "Laugh, Clown, Laugh."
In 1921, Fio Rito moved to Chicago to join Dan Russo's band, eventually co-leading the Russo and Fio Rito's Oriole Orchestra. The band gained popularity through radio broadcasts and performances at venues like the Edgewater Beach Hotel and the Aragon Ballroom. Fio Rito's orchestra became a staple on national radio programs throughout the 1930s, contributing to his widespread recognition.
Despite a decline in popularity in the 1940s, Fio Rito continued to perform across the United States, including in Chicago, Arizona, and Las Vegas. He passed away on July 22, 1971, in Scottsdale, Arizona. His contributions to music were honored with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
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