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Lane County Music History Project

Explore Our Rich Music History

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Snapshot of Lane County in the 1930's

Wayne Ryan (1911 – 2004)

Categories: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, Eugene, Musician

Wayne Ryan was a popular Dixieland Jazz musician in the Eugene area between 1935 and 1953. His primary instrument was the trumpet but later went on to play the organ and the accordion. Wayne Ryan and his Dixieland Band frequently played at the Swimmer’s Delight Saturday night dances. Wayne Ryan was born and raised in Grants Pass, Oregon and moved to Eugene in 1935 where he … [Read more...]

Vera McAdams (1895-1994)

Categories: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, Eugene, Musician

Vera McAdams (piano)  Early 1930-40s - She was in the Winter Garden Orchestra (9 piece) for 12 years,  house band for the Wintergarden at 8th & Charnelton in Eugene, Oregon. Mid 1940s - 1968 - Vera McAdams Orchestra for WOW Hall for 22 years at 8th & Lincoln St. 1968 - Vera McAdams started The Harmony Notes after resolving the Orchestra in 1968. She owned the … [Read more...]

Ten Commanders

Categories: 1930s, Band, Eugene, Featured

Ten Commanders

The Ten Commanders were a popular big band based in Eugene, Oregon in the 1930's. Music Events Jan 12, 1935 - Willamette Park June 1, 1935 - Willamette Park   … [Read more...]

Maurie Binford

Categories: 1930s, 1940s, Eugene, Musician

Maurie Binford’s Orchestra 4/7/1939 - Maurie Binford, University of Oregon maestro will lead his orchestra through the rhythms of the day.  Swimmers Delight   … [Read more...]

Herschel Davis (1901-1984)

Categories: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, Eugene, Musician

Herschel Davis

Accomplished musician, Herschel Davis, was well renowned in the Northwest for his swing and big band music. He directed his own orchestras and played piano and the organ in the Eugene area from 1921 – 1974. Herschel was born to P. Waldo Davis and Lizzie DeMoss, of the famous musical family, The DeMoss Family Bards of Oregon. Herschel grew up on the stage and was known as the … [Read more...]

Eldred Glaspey

Categories: 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, Eugene, Musician

Eldred Glaspey played the Violin and Saxaphone and was renowned in the Willamette Valley for his swing and big band music. Eldred was born in Fall Creek, Oregon October 21, 1912. He graduated from Springfield High School and studied music at the University of Oregon. He performed for over seventy years, from the 1920’s through the 1990’s at various dance venues throughout the … [Read more...]

Carl Rooen

Categories: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, Eugene, Musician

Carl Rooen operated a dance orchestra in the Eugene area. June 9, 1937 - Swimmers Delight Jan 24, 1937 -  Lane to Benefit From Ball Funds: Carl Rooen and his 8-piece orchestra Feb 25, 1937 -  Ski Quartet will Broadcast Tuesday: Obsidian Ski Club quartet…by train to Cresent Lake…broadcast on KORE…Arrangements for the train include another four-piece swing band under the … [Read more...]

Green Parrot Coffee Shop

Categories: 1930s, Eugene, Venue

September 28, 1935 - Art Holman Orchestra

Green Parrot Coffee Shop was a popular music venue located near the UO campus in Eugene Oregon. Location: 780 East 11th Avenue, Eugene Oregon (Alder & 11th) Sept 28, 1935 - Art Holman Orchestra … [Read more...]

Cole McElroy

Categories: 1900s, 1910s, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, Eugene, Featured, Jazz, Musician

Cole McElroy

Cole McElroy (1888 - 1947) J. Cole McElroy, also known as “Pop” McElroy was a popular Jazz musician and widely known dance hall manager from Oregon. "Born in Corvallis to E.B. McElroy, he moved to Eugene to attend the University of Oregon in the late 1800’s. He graduated from UO in 1900. In 1910, after nine years managing his father’s farm near Monroe, he decided to … [Read more...]

Clingman’s (1935-1955)

Categories: 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, Glenwood, Venue

Clingman's ad

Clingman's was a popular music venue on the Glenwood strip between Eugene and Springfield Oregon. Location: 3697 Franklin Blvd. Owned by Otis Clingman, a popular wrestler. Building History Clingman’s (1935-1955) The Emerald Club (1956-1962) Bimbo’s (1965-1966) The Kon Tiki (1966-1969) Roman Forum (1970-1974) Currently the Ace Trading Company … [Read more...]

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