George Olsen

American band-leader and drummer. Born: March 18, 1893 (Portland, Oregon, US) Died: March 18, 1971 (78) died on his birthday. He was married to actress/singer Ethel Shutta (1926-1939). He played the drums and attended the University of Michigan, where he was drum major. There he formed his band, George Olsen and his Music, which continued in the Portland area. he acted in 3 musical shorts in the late 1920's. Olsen signed with Victor in 1924 and remained as one of Victor's most popular artist until 1933 when he signed with Columbia. He stayed with Columbia through January, 1934. He recorded a single session in 1938 for Decca, and one final date for the rare Varsity label in 1940. In 1936, Olsen became leader of Orville Knapp's band after Knapp died in a plane crash. Olsen was chosen to lead the band by Knapp's widow. Morale problems plagued the group, and in 1938, after many musicians had already left, the group disbanded. He was a popular dance band leader of the 1920's and 1930's and his biggest hit came in 1927 with "The Varsity Drag" and his theme song was "Beyond the Blue Horizon." In his later years, he retired from music to become a successful restaurateur.