Classical Musician. The youngest son of a Russian immigrant he was born in London as Joshua Alexander Loss. Having studied violin at the Trinity College at the London School of Music he put aside any thoughts of a classical career wanting to lead a band. Already as a teenager he formed his first band at the same time making a living accompanying silent films in the local cinemas. In 1930 he formed his first professional band and continued to lead his band until 1990 without a break. In 1933 he made his first broadcast on the BBC. His recording career began the same year featuring vocal talents such as Vera Lynn and Chick Henderson. During WWII he took his band to France in 1940 to play for the BEF, and he always took time off from his commercial engagements to entertain the troops. After the war and almost up to his death the band made numerous recordings, appearances on radio and TV and in theatres and ballrooms all over Britain, fourteen world cruises on the QEII. They played at two Royal weddings and at Royal functions at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and St. James Palace. Joe Loss and his orchestra was the first Western dance band to perform in the People's Republic of China. He was awarded the OBE in 1978 for his services to music.
Classical Musician. The youngest son of a Russian immigrant he was born in London as Joshua Alexander Loss. Having studied violin at the Trinity College at the London School of Music he put aside any thoughts of a classical career wanting to lead a band. Already as a teenager he formed his first band at the same time making a living accompanying silent films in the local cinemas. In 1930 he formed his first professional band and continued to lead his band until 1990 without a break. In 1933 he made his first broadcast on the BBC. His recording career began the same year featuring vocal talents such as Vera Lynn and Chick Henderson. During WWII he took his band to France in 1940 to play for the BEF, and he always took time off from his commercial engagements to entertain the troops. After the war and almost up to his death the band made numerous recordings, appearances on radio and TV and in theatres and ballrooms all over Britain, fourteen world cruises on the QEII. They played at two Royal weddings and at Royal functions at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and St. James Palace. Joe Loss and his orchestra was the first Western dance band to perform in the People's Republic of China. He was awarded the OBE in 1978 for his services to music.
Bio by: Erik Skytte
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