Pianist Carol Lofner formed an orchestra with drummer Phil Harris in the late 1920s. The Lofner-Harris Orchestra enjoyed a long stay at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Lofner directed the orchestra while Harris played drums and sang, sitting up front center stage instead of behind the orchestra. Muzzy Marcellino was violinist. In 1932 the band left the St. Francis and began to tour. Shortly into the tour Lofner and Harris dissolved their partnership and Harris, who had always been the main attraction of the band, took over sole leadership.