Buddy Milton (2)

Big band bandleader, pianist, and singer. Born Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Buddy began piano lessons at the age of four after trying to copy his older brother's playing. He gave his first concert in the town hall at the age of seven. With a scholarship to Juilliard School of Music, it was not long before Buddy was playing professionally, at thirteen years of age, with his own band. He was put in charge of arranging for Edward B. Marks giant music publishing empire, which is where he developed his love of Latin American music. In 1938, he left to play and arrange for Blue Barron, Henry King, Enric Madriguera and Jose Morand. Moving to the Detroit Athletic Club with Val Ernie's society orchestra, Buddy was asked to stay two weeks while Ernie's band went to Florida; Buddy instead stayed ten seasons. From there he moved on to Arizona, at various clubs and hotels in the area including Kako, Green Gables, and Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale.