Solid!
The encyclopedia of big band, lounge, classic jazz and space-age sounds.
Ted Fio Rito
Born
- December 20, 1900
- Newark, NJ
Died
- July 22, 1971
- Scottsdale, AZ
Theme Song
- Rio Rita
Ted Fio Rito
- BIOGRAPHY
- FILMOGRAPHY
- COMPOSITIONS
Bandleader and keyboardist Ted Fio Rito began his career co-leading the sweet Oriole Terrace Orchestra (also known as the Russo-Fiorito Oriole Orchestra) with Dan Russo. In the late 1920s Russo quit, leaving the group all to Fio Rito. Fio Rito was known for using trick rhythms, temple blocks, musical triplets, and a Hammond organ in his arrangements. He also sported a humorous bassist, Candy Candido, who had a trick voice, and the whistling of singer Muzzy Marcellino. Betty Grable was vocalist in the early 1930s. Future actor Leif Ericson also sang at one time. A vocal trio called the Debutantes was featured in the mid-1930s.
In the late 1930s Fio Rito stopped using tricks and modernized his orchestra. Later vocalists include the group Kay Swingle and her Brothers and future actress June Haver. His popularity began to decline in the mid-1940s. During the 1950s and 1960s he led bands in Chicago and Arizona. He also composed several popular tunes during his lifetime, including the famous ''Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye.'' Ted Fio Rito died in 1971 after suffering a heart attack.