Trivia

Born in Ohio and raised largely in an orphanage and with various relatives, saxophonist and band leader Freddy Martin first gained national attention in 1940 and continued on through the 1970s leading one of the most popular "sweet" (non-swing) bands of the Big Band Era. Best known for his hit songs adapted from classical themes, his many hits on RCA Victor and Capitol records included "Cumana," "The Hut-Sut Song," "Bumble Boogie," adapted from Rimsky-Korsakov's "Flight of the Bumblebee," and his theme song, "Tonight We Love," adapted from the first movement of Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume One, 1981-1985, pages 552-554. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1998.

He was awarded a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording at 6532 Hollywood Boulevard in Hollywood, California.

Martin started on drums, later switching to saxophone. He formed his first band while still at high school. However, he began his musical career inauspiciously, by demonstrating saxophones in a Cleveland music shop.

Encouraged by Guy Lombardo, he formed his first professional orchestra in Brooklyn, New York, in 1931. The band played at some of New York's top venues, including the Marine Roof of the Bossert Hotel and the Roosevelt Grill of the Manhattan Hotel.

Was musical director for Elvis Presley's first performance in Las Vegas.