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For an explanation of the inclusion of this story, SEE BELOW ... |
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Sammy Davis Jr. starring in
"The Desperate Hours" |
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The play was to be directed by the hot young composer, record
producer, arranger, celebrity conductor, and TV
Buddy had earlier befriended Sammy Davis Jr. while producing Frank Sinatra at Verve Records. Together, the talented pair agreed to present the popular stage production in Little Theater (non-equity, 99 seat limit), at the popular Hollywood Center Theater. Located around the corner from Hollywood's famed Hot Rod Drive-In (& actor hangout), "STAN'S", the small theater was refurbished for theater-in-the round, and enjoyed a loyal following within the acting & entertainment industry. It was agreed this production would further broaden the theater's exposure and increase its popularity. Buddy Bregman's career began at a very young age, when his famed composer uncle, Jules Styne (Sammy Cahn's songwriting partner - "Let It Snow! Let It Snow"), took the youngster under his wing. With the support of his musical parents, Buddy was a piano prodigy, who learned musical composition simultaneously, and could orchestrate at the age of 11. He also mastered both the clarinet and saxophone by the age of twelve.
By 14, he
was writing charts for jazz musician Bill Russo. At 17, he landed a
job as arranger for the hottest songwriting team in music, Jerry Leiber &
Mike Stoller (most of Elvis' early hits & many more), at Capital Records. His recording debut, "Bazoom, I Need
Your Loving" by the "Cheers", (remembered
most for song "Black Denim Trousers & Motorcycle Boots") was a smash hit, and veteran
producer, Norman Granz, heard it on the radio, which led to a
terrific career break. Granz was starting up a new record label and
offered Bregman a chance to work for him. The label turned out to be
Verve, which quickly grew to be one of the most celebrated labels in
Jazz. Bregman was appointed head of A&R and was instrumental in the
label's success. He is best known by jazz fans for his arranging and
conducting talents on a stack of sides by famed jazz greats,
including Ella Fitzgerald and Anita O'Day. He also made what might
arguably be one of Bing Crosby's best records, "Bing Sings Whilst
Bregman Swings". After his success at Verve, Buddy became the youngest musical director ever hired by NBC for "The Eddie Fisher Show". The next year, the network offered him his own TV music series, "Buddy Bregman's Music Shop". The new show was designed to feature Buddy in the style of TV legend, Dick Clark. The series lasted for an unlucky 13 shows, hardly knocking Clark off American Bandstand. The failure of his TV series convinced Buddy that he wasn't going to be a TV star, but he still aspired for fame behind the camera, specifically, in the roles of director, producer, and writer, in addition to his multiple musical contributions. For more info on Buddy - see :http://www.haineshisway.com/interview/bbinterview.htm http://community.mcckc.edu/crosby/bregman.htm |
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Buddy had befriended Sammy Davis Jr. while he was producing the legendary crooner, Frank Sinatra, at Verve. Their friendship grew both personally and professionally. Due to the fact that Sammy was signed to Decca Records, when Bregman recorded with Sammy, he served as orchestra leader, arranger, etc., due to his position as producer at Verve Records. A few recording sessions around the time with Sammy:
DATES - Davis' young entertainment career had suffered a setback on November 19, 1954, when he almost died in an automobile accident. Sammy was on a return trip from Las Vegas to Los Angeles. The accident occurred on a bend in U.S. Highway 66, just outside Victorville, California . Luckily, Davis survived, but he suffered the loss of his left eye as a result of the carnage. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Davis,_Jr. After his discharge from the hospital, and rehabilitation therapy, Davis rejoined the dance act with whom he performed prior to his accident. They returned with performances at a variety of clubs and theaters around Portland, Oregon. He soon began to achieve success on his own when he was singled out for praise by critics and fans alike. By the end of the year, Sammy's solo act was gaining in popularity, plus he had also released his second record album. His career was back on track, but it took a giant leap forward when he landed a role in the Broadway spectacular, "Mr. Wonderful" in 1956. DATE ?
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THE DESPERATE HOURS
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JEFF CHANDLER ESTHER WILLIAMS MARVIN MILLER SCRIPT Drunk? SAMMY - BUDDY BREGMAN |
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The Climate of Eden (1952). Written by Moss Hart. Hollywood Center Theater Directed by Jed Duane Starring Frank McHugh as my father, the Reverend ---. Method Actor. One of award-winning playwright, Moss Hart's, lesser known works, the off beat drama, "The Climate of Eden".
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bandleader, Buddy Bregman.
Bregman worked with some of the greatest
musical artists of 20th Century popular music. Though originally
recognized by Granz for his orchestration and arranging skills,
Buddy soon excelled as a record producer as well. His multiple
talents reached all genres of music, and every style of artist. A
partial list of the artists he has worked with, or produced, includes: Judy
Garland, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Jerry Lewis,
Rick Nelson, Count Basie, Joe Williams, Vic Damone, Bobby Short, Buddy Rich,
Joel Grey, Louie Armstrong, Oscar Peterson, Carmen McRae, Ethel
Merman, Bobby Darin and Eydie Gorme. He was directly responsible for
at least four of the Verve label's platinum albums. He didn't
confine his skills to recording; he also scored and
orchestrated many major motion pictures, including; 'The Pajama
Game, Crime in the Streets, Secret of the Purple Reef, to name a
few.
