Henry Ford's Old Time Dance Orchestra

Orchestra assembled in 1924-1925 by the famous automaker and inventor Henry Ford. The orchestra played at his private old-time dances and at old-time dancing classes that Ford and his wife Clara hosted every Tuesday and Thursday for 35-40 other couples at the Ford Company's Engineering Laboratory in Dearborn, Michigan.

Between 1925 and 1927, the orchestra included Clayton A. Perry (violin), William Hallup (cimbalom), Edwin F. Baxter (dulcimer), Maurice Castel (sousaphone), and Benjamin Lovett (caller).

Between December 1925 and January 1927, the orchestra recorded 44 sides (including cylinders) under the names "Henry Ford's Old-Time Dance Orchestra" (on Victor and Victor releases) and "Henry Ford's Old-Fashioned Dance Orchestra" (on Victor releases).

Around 1943, the orchestra recorded 40 more titles in Dearborn, Michigan. They were credited to Henry Ford's Orchestra and released on the Victor label. In addition to Perry, Hallup, Baxter and Lovett, these recordings also feature Gino Caporali (bass), Don Van De Ven (piano accordion), Roy Austin (guitar). An unknown trumpet player and unknown pianist can also be heard on some titles. On some titles, not Lovett, but Francis X. Brancheau functions as caller.

Data provided by Discogs