Harold Arlen Exhibition / Performer and Arranger
By the age of 18, Arluck had established himself as a full-time performer. He changed his first name to Harold listing himself in the Buffalo City Directory in 1923. In 1924, he published his first piece of music with Hymon Cheiffetz as “My Gal, My Pal (Won’t You Come Back To Me?).” He joined the Southbound Shufflers, playing the steamships between Buffalo and Canada. By 1925, the band changed names to the Yankee Six. A popular draw at Crystal Beach Amusement Park, the band also played for local college groups and graduation events. After adding more members to the band, they became the Yankee Ten. When another member joined, the group renamed themselves as the Buffalodians.
By 1926, the Buffalodians were everywhere: on the radio, on tour, in the clubs and available on multiple record labels. After his parents and younger brother Julius moved to Syracuse, Harold rented his own place at 220 Spring Street, while also working on the touring circuits. While performing in New York City in 1928, Harold made the bold decision to leave the Buffalodians and remain in New York City. He planned a career as a performer, a vocalist and an accompanist, but it was his talents as a musical arranger that led him to composition.
Gallery
Arlen Harold (then Harold Arluck), fifth from left at piano, with Anthony Pecoraro and his Virginia Serenaders, 1920s. Courtesy of Allan Bernstein.
Harold Arlen in a local Buffalo performing band
Arlen Harold (then Harold Arluck), third from left, with Anthony Pecoraro and his Virginia Serenaders, 1920s. Courtesy of Allan Bernstein.
Harold Arlen performing in the 1920s
"Crystal Beach Opens Season," The Buffalo Times, 25 May 1924, p. 67.
The Yankee Six
Some of the Buffalodians band members, c. 1920s. Arlen appears first from left. Courtesy of Sam A. Arlen, SA Music LLC.
The Buffalodians
Harold Arluck, 1920s. Courtesy of Sam A. Arlen, SA Music LLC.