William Farmer

American drummer and band leader, a.k.a. Willie Farmer (born May 10, 1905 in New York, NY – died April 5, 1990 in Bethlehem, PA). Born William Farberman, Willie Farmer joined Carl Fenton's Orchestra as a drummer at age 13, then played with Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra, Red Nichols and Tommy Dorsey. In 1932, he took over the Larry Siry Band at the Simplon Club in New York City. In December 1933, this band, now called Willie Farmer And His Simplon Club Orchestra, recorded four titles for the American Record Corporation that appeared on Banner, Melotone, Oriole (3), and Romeo. Between 1937 and 1938, Willie Farmer And His Orchestra recorded 37 titles for RCA Victor's Bluebird (3) label while perfoming live on NBC radio and as Willie Farmer and his Promenade Orchestra at the Rockefeller Center's Promenade Cafe. Farmer's band also played at other well-known New York night spots such as the El Morocco and Tavern on the Green. In 1947, Farmer recorded a number of titles with singer Lee Tully for the Jubilee label. In the late 1960s, Farmer released several LPs with pianist Michael Sears as William Farmer And His Orchestra. In 1975, Farmer moved to Florida, yet stayed active as a musician until he retired in 1985.