Don Ellis Leads His Big Band

Notable Cast

Joel Grey Entertains!

While performing with his father’s act, “Borscht Capades” at the Roosevelt Theatre in Florida, actor, singer, comedian Joel Grey was first noticed by Eddie Cantor. Cantor invited Grey, 19 years old, to perform with him on The Colgate Comedy Hour as a new upcoming talent. Grey appeared on April 1, 1951, his first classic television appearance.

Teddy Hale Dances

In this rarely seen classic TV footage, legendary tap dancer Teddy Hale appears in his only surviving filmed appearance on the Texaco Star Theater from

Sammy Davis Jr. at the piano with Matt Dennis

Sammy Davis, Jr. Does Gershwin

This classic TV clip from The Big Party, initially broadcast on October 8, 1959 pairs two Gershwin tunes performed by Sammy Davis Jr., It Ain’t Necessarily So and Fascinating Rhythm. Davis’ skills as a celebrity and entertainer are clear in both numbers.

Don Ellis.
Internet Archive – https://archive.org/details/calauem_000020

Don Ellis was best known for writing, and winning an academy award for arranging, the theme to The French Connection. Before that, he represented the height of LA jazz sophistication in 1967.

This video presents Don Ellis at Ellis Island (nightclub) on the Sunset Strip, Hollywood, California in 1967. The Don Ellis Band plays “In a Turkish Bath.” Ray Neapolitan is on sitar.

The opening sequence beautifully shows the musical excitement and innovation that was present in L.A. at that time.