Emil Coleman

Society orchestra leader. Born June 19, 1892 in Odessa, Kherson Governorate, Russian Empire [now Ukraine]. Died January 26, 1965 in New York City, New York, USA. He moved to New York City where he performed at the famous Bustanoby's Restaurant. Leader of one of the most popular dance bands starting in 1918 at the Montmartre Hotel in New York City where, remaining to about 1929, he developed the "medley" form of dance band repertoire soon to be emulated by all who played at such venues. He was well-known for performing at social galas and debutante balls at these venues.Over the years his aggregations were also featured at the Riviera, Central Park Casino, Plaza, St. Regis, Hotel Pierre, The Trocadero, Mocambo, Versailles Club and, his most enduring, the famed Waldorf-Astoria. Between 1923 and 1934 he registered 12 hits on the national Pop charts for Vocalion, Brunswick and Columbia. His orchestra's top hit was " Little Man, You've had a Busy Day" in 1934, hitting #2 and "(When Your Heart's On Fire) Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", #4 the same year.