Jack Staulcup Orchestra - 1929-1955

1929-1955

The first performance of the orchestra, was on New Years Eve, 1929. in the ballroom atop the then new Irvin Cobb Hotel in Paducah. Throughout the 1930s and until the early 1950s, the orchestra traveled over a much larger territory than it did in succeeding decades. This area ranged from Chicago to Birmingham, Alabama and from Texarkana, Texas to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Most of these locations were reached by extending out from Paducah in a series of one night stands, involving lengthy and grueling road trips.

The initial success of the orchestra was the result of playing in nightclubs in smaller towns, where few of the name big bands ventured. It was an opportunity for fans to hear a live performance and dance to a big band, that was similar to the bands they heard on records and the radio.

Extended location bookings were also part of the orchestra. These were of 1–4 weeks in duration, and usually occurred in major cities, at noteworthy nightclubs and ballrooms. The Staulcup Orchestra would often be preceded or followed by famous bands, in the weeks before or after the booking.