Big Band Orchestra Leader. Born in Oakland, California, he first started playing music at the age of nine. In 1933, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and shortly there after, organized his first big band. He soon earned the nickname "Old Smoothie" because the songs that his band played were smooth, tender songs. In the 1950s, he was hired in San Francisco hosting a variety show on KPIX television. In 1959, he became music director for the Oakland Raiders football team, a position he held until 1978. After leaving the Raiders, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and continued to play music until his death in 2006 at the age of 95. Throughout his long career, he would perform at four presidential inaugural balls and have roles in numerous movies.
Big Band Orchestra Leader. Born in Oakland, California, he first started playing music at the age of nine. In 1933, he graduated from the University of California, Berkeley and shortly there after, organized his first big band. He soon earned the nickname "Old Smoothie" because the songs that his band played were smooth, tender songs. In the 1950s, he was hired in San Francisco hosting a variety show on KPIX television. In 1959, he became music director for the Oakland Raiders football team, a position he held until 1978. After leaving the Raiders, he moved to Honolulu, Hawaii and continued to play music until his death in 2006 at the age of 95. Throughout his long career, he would perform at four presidential inaugural balls and have roles in numerous movies.
Bio by: G.Photographer
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Courtney memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
