Jack Fina

Jack Fina (August 13, 1913 – May 14, 1970) was a bandleader, songwriter, and pianist.

Fina was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and educated at the New York College of Music and was a student of August Fraemcke and Elsa Nicilini. He started out playing piano in Clyde McCoy's band sometime in the 1930s, but it wasn't until he joined Freddy Martin’s band in 1936 that he gained real fame, when he was featured on Martin’s famous recording of "Tonight We Love".

In 1946, Jack Fina formed his own 16-piece band, with Freddy Martin's blessing and financial backing. His first appearance was at the Claremont Hotel. The vocals were handled by Harry Prime and Gil Lewis. With good air time and good recordings, Fina became a national figure. Following up on the success of "Tonight We Love," Fina again turned to the classics and composed a boogie-woogie variation on Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee." Fina's version, "Bumble Boogie", became a huge hit; Fina performed it as a solo piano specialty in the 1946 Columbia Pictures musical It's Great to Be Young.

Fina appeared at some of the top venues in the country, including the Waldorf-Astoria, the Aragon Ballroom, and the famous illegal gambling casino/night club in Galveston, the Balinese Room. He also appeared in several films, including Melody Time (Bumble Boogie sequence, 1948) and Disc Jockey (1951). A noted songwriter, his credits included Dream Sonata (his theme song), Chango and Piano Portraits.

In the 1950s, he reduced the size of his band and settled in San Francisco. He also operated a talent agency called the Concerto Music & Entertainment Agency with his manager Al King. In the early 1960s he appeared as a single on Dick Sinclair’s television show. In 1962 Fina joined the staff of the Beverly Hills Hotel in Sherman Oaks, California, where he led a small band for eight successful years. The engagement was curtailed by his death at age 56, from a heart attack. He is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Hollywood Hills.

Birth and Death Data: Born August 13, 1913 (Passaic), Died May 14, 1970 (California)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1938 - 1949

Roles Represented in DAHR: piano, electric organ, songwriter, composer, arranger

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor PBS-019406 10-in. 7/7/1938 So help me (If I don't love you) Elmer Feldkamp ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-019407 10-in. 7/7/1938 Confidentially Elmer Feldkamp ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-019408 10-in. 7/7/1938 Love is where you find it Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Gene Walsh Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-019409 10-in. 7/7/1938 There's a brand new picture in my picture frame Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Gene Walsh Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-019410 10-in. 7/7/1938 Wolverine blues Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-019411 10-in. 7/7/1938 Milenberg joys Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-026229 10-in. 11/6/1938 Jaywalk Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-026230 10-in. 11/6/1938 These funny old hills Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-026231 10-in. 11/6/1938 Joobalai Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Gene Walsh Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-026232 10-in. 11/6/1938 Bye-lo-bye lullaby Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034965 10-in. 6/9/1939 Let's make memories tonight Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034966 10-in. 6/9/1939 A boy named Lem (And a girl named Sue) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Fran Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034967 10-in. 6/9/1939 There's only one in love (And yet there should be two) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034968 10-in. 6/9/1939 An old fashioned tune always is new Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034969 10-in. 6/9/1939 It seems like old times Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-034970 10-in. 6/9/1939 Cuba-duba-doo Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Fran Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040237 10-in. 7/3/1939 Let's disappear Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040238 10-in. 7/3/1939 Running through my mind Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040239 10-in. 7/3/1939 Let's trade a diamond for a heart Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Fran Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040240 10-in. 7/3/1939 The thrill of a new romance Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040241 10-in. 7/3/1939 You're the moment in my life Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor BS-040242 10-in. 7/3/1939 Winter blossoms Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042125 10-in. 9/18/1939 Mama's gone, good bye Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Glenn Hughes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal trio instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042126 10-in. 9/18/1939 Violets Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042127 10-in. 9/18/1939 The sweetheart of Sigma Chi Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042128 10-in. 9/18/1939 A penthouse for rent Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042129 10-in. 9/18/1939 Scatter-brain Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Glenn Hughes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-042130 10-in. 9/18/1939 Early in the morning Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, electric organ  
Victor PBS-Test-042288 10-in. 12/11/1939 Princess Poopooly Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042289 10-in. 12/11/1939 My rosary of broken dreams Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042290 10-in. 12/11/1939 One cigarette for two Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042291 10-in. 12/11/1939 Apple blossoms and chapel bells Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042292 10-in. 12/11/1939 Am I proud Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042293 10-in. 12/11/1939 Sand Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Bill Stoker Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-042294 10-in. 12/11/1939 Oh! What a lovely dream Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049129 10-in. 4/23/1940 It's a lovely day tomorrow Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049130 10-in. 4/23/1940 You can't brush me off Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Glenn Hughes Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049131 10-in. 4/23/1940 Gypsy tears Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049132 10-in. 4/23/1940 I made my manners to a sweet young thing Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049137 10-in. 4/23/1940 Goodnight moonlight Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo songwriter, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-049138 10-in. 4/23/1940 Sunnin' in the summer sun Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055113 10-in. 10/21/1940 All or nothing at all Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055114 10-in. 10/21/1940 I should have known you years ago Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055115 10-in. 10/21/1940 It's a great day for the Irish Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055116 10-in. 10/21/1940 You say the sweetest things, baby Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055117 10-in. 10/21/1940 Harbor of my heart Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055118 10-in. 10/21/1940 My mother would love you Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055262 10-in. 1/27/1941 Breakfast for two Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055263 10-in. 1/27/1941 Shadows in the night Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055264 10-in. 1/27/1941 Corn silk Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055265 10-in. 1/27/1941 Boa noite Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055266 10-in. 1/27/1941 Too beautiful to last Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055267 10-in. 1/27/1941 They met in Rio (A midnight serenade) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055489 10-in. 3/26/1941 Beneath the lights of home (in a little old sleepy town) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055490 10-in. 3/26/1941 Intermezzo Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and piano solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055491 10-in. 3/26/1941 Sing a song of spring Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055492 10-in. 3/26/1941 You mean so much to me Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055493 10-in. 3/26/1941 Do you believe in fairy tales? Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-055494 10-in. 3/26/1941 Nice dreamin' baby Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061193 10-in. 4/24/1941 Til reveille Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061194 10-in. 4/24/1941 The Swiss bellringer Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061195 10-in. 4/24/1941 The Karlstad Ball Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061196 10-in. 4/24/1941 Where in the world Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061197 10-in. 4/24/1941 Flamingo Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061198 10-in. 4/24/1941 The hut-sut song (A Swedish serenade) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061300 10-in. 6/16/1941 Why don't we do this more often Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061301 10-in. 6/16/1941 Piano concerto in B flat Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, arranger  
Victor PBS-061302 10-in. 6/16/1941 Rancho pillow Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061303 10-in. 6/16/1941 You'll never remember Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Jack Owens Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061374 10-in. 7/23/1941 Blue champagne Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061375 10-in. 7/23/1941 Let's put two and two together Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061376 10-in. 7/23/1941 I'll wait for you Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061377 10-in. 7/23/1941 Have you Changed? Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061378 10-in. 7/23/1941 Is it taboo? (To fall in love with you) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061379 10-in. 7/23/1941 Be honest with me Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal duet and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061546 10-in. 8/25/1941 Rose O'Day (The filla-ga-dusha song) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061547 10-in. 8/25/1941 So shy Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061548 10-in. 8/25/1941 By-u by-o (The Lou'siana lullaby) Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061549 10-in. 8/25/1941 Miss you Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061663 10-in. 9/17/1941 Carmen Carmela Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061664 10-in. 9/17/1941 Whistling in the night Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061665 10-in. 9/17/1941 Symphonie moderne Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with piano solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061666 10-in. 9/17/1941 Tonight we love Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061667 10-in. 9/17/1941 Who are you? Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061668 10-in. 9/17/1941 The anniversary waltz Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061948 10-in. 12/3/1941 I'll never forget Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061949 10-in. 12/3/1941 Until the stars fall down Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061950 10-in. 12/3/1941 'Tis autumn Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-061951 10-in. 12/3/1941 Popocatepetl Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-066551 10-in. 4/9/1942 Who wouldn't love you Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and male vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-066552 10-in. 4/9/1942 The penny arcade Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-066553 10-in. 4/9/1942 Just plain lonesome Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and vocal quartet instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-066554 10-in. 4/9/1942 One red rose forever Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-071696 10-in. 1/30/1942 How do I know it's real? Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with vocal instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-071697 10-in. 1/30/1942 If you build a better mousetrap Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-071698 10-in. 1/30/1942 Wherever you are Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-071699 10-in. 1/30/1942 What does a soldier dream of? Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with male vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-072002 10-in. 12/27/1941 Grieg piano concerto Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with piano solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor PBS-072433 10-in. 7/31/1942 (Theme from the) Warsaw concerto Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with piano solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073508 10-in. 3/6/1942 The last call for love Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073509 10-in. 3/6/1942 I look at heaven (when I look at you) Freddy Martin ; Dinah Shore Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073510 10-in. 3/6/1942 I can't give you anything but love Freddy Martin ; Dinah Shore Female vocal solo, with jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073511 10-in. 3/6/1942 You can't hold a memory in your arms Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073567 10-in. 3/13/1942 Here you are Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073568 10-in. 3/13/1942 Johnny Doughboy found a rose in Ireland Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Clyde Rogers Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073569 10-in. 3/13/1942 Oh, the pity of it all Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Eddie Stone Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and male vocal ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-073570 10-in. 3/13/1942 I'll keep the lovelight burning Freddy Martin Orchestra ; Stuart Wade Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor D5VB-1140 10-in. 10/2/1945 Rachmaninoff concerto no. 2 Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Jazz/dance band, with piano solo instrumentalist, piano  
Victor D6VB-2020 10-in. 2/7/1946 Cornish rhapsody theme Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Piano, with instrumental ensemble instrumentalist, piano  
Victor D6VB-2021 10-in. 2/7/1946 Bumble boogie Jack Fina ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Piano, with instrumental ensemble composer, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor D6VB-3141 10-in. 12/16/1946 Piano portrait Murray Arnold ; Freddy Martin Orchestra Piano solo, with jazz/dance band composer  
Columbia CO41850 10-in. November 1949 A cowboy's serenade Gene Autry Male vocal solo, with orchestra songwriter  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Fina, Jack," accessed April 25, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110096.

Fina, Jack. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved April 25, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110096.

"Fina, Jack." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 25 April 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/110096

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