Erwin Bolt was a German Kapellmeister born on August 19, 1905, in Hamburg, Germany. He began his career in 1924 with NORAG (Nordische Rundfunk AG) in Hamburg as a Spieltenor for opera and operetta. Bolt gained recognition as a radio singer and was noted for his performances at Schlagerabende across various German radio stations. In 1928, he appeared in a silent advertising film for the Hamburger Hochbahn AG titled "Hamburg hat es eilig" and achieved early success with his compositions "Meine Oma fährt Motorrad" and "Liebst du mich denn gar nicht mehr," which were recorded by Ultraphon.

In the early 1930s, Bolt formed his first dance orchestra, which became well-known in Northern Germany. By the mid-1930s, the orchestra had twelve members, though specific details about the lineup remain largely unknown. In 1936, Bolt secured a recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon in Berlin, resulting in approximately 20 recordings marketed under the Braun-Label. That same year, he left his position at the Hamburg radio station to focus on his career as a Kapellmeister and his performances.

Despite initial success, Bolt's recording activities ceased in early 1937, possibly due to the saturated dance music market. He continued to lead his orchestra until 1939, after which he withdrew from dance music. In 1936, Bolt purchased a cinema in Hamburg named "Eidelstedter Lichtspiele," which he managed alongside his musical endeavors.

Tragically, Erwin Bolt's life was cut short during a bombing raid on the night of July 27, 1943, in Hamburg, where he perished along with his mother and wife. He was 37 years old at the time of his death. His contributions to German music, particularly in the realms of radio and dance orchestras, remain a testament to his talent and influence during his brief career.