Nathaniel Shilkret (1889-1982) was an American composer, conductor, clarinetist, pianist, business executive and music director. He was a child prodigy, touring the country; from his late teens to mid-twenties he was a clarinetist in the best New York music organizations. He joined the Victor Company around 1915, and soon was made manager of the department. In 1926 he became "director of light music." He made many thousands of recordings, possibly more than anyone in recording history. His son Arthur estimated the sales of these records was of the order of 50 million copies. He was the conductor of choice for many of Victor's innovative recordings. He conducted the first record made by the "electric method," as well as the first commercial Victor LP as early as 1931. He composed and arranged thousands of (classical and popular) pieces, and wrote several film scores. This brilliant record was made in 1929. Vocal by Willard Robison.
