The Benson Orchestra Of Chicago
"Biddy"
Victor 18718
1920
Song by J. S. Zamecnik
The Benson Orchestra of Chicago was founded in 1920 by cellist Edgar A. Benson, but he was not the ensemble's music director. He was too busy running a number of bands in the Chicago area to give sole attention to any one ensemble.
He hired many musicians who later rose to fame or at least made wonderful recordings--they include pianist Don Bestor, clarinet player Volly De Faut, and saxophonist Frank Trumbauer.
In the early 1920s, the Benson musicians were led by pianist Roy Bargy.
By 1925, Don Bestor was musical director.
Alto and soprano sax: Matthew Amaturo.
Tenor sax: Thomas Thatcher.
Bass sax: William Foeste.
Clarinet: Matthew Amaturo.
Trombone: Guy Carey.
Trumpet: Rick Adkins.
Violin: Joe Baum.
Piano and leader: Roy Bargy.
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Don Bestor was born on September 23, 1889, in Longford, South Dakota.
His mother was Mrs. Carrie Bestor. His brother, A. L. Bestor, was also a musician.
Don Bestor became a skilled piano player.
By the age of 16, he worked as pianist with a traveling vaudeville orchestra. He later organized his own band, touring theaters in the Midwest.
In 1922, Bestor, at age 33 years old, worked for Edgar Benson, a Chicago entrepreneur who managed dozens of dance bands and orchestras.
Bestor remained with the Benson organization until 1925.
For the remainder of the 1920s and early 1930s, Bestor fronted his own orchestra, playing dance clubs and hotel ballrooms across the eastern United States, and recording for Brunswick.
He died in Metamora on January 13, 1970, at the age of 80.
