[ Cal Temple & his Tantalizing Toe Ticklers ], (20's)
Currently no information available.

      [ Millard Thomas Band ]
Received his musical training at the University of Nebraska, studying composition and organ. Early on, he led a a Ragtime band, in his wife's hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana, before moving to Chicago in 1917, and then on to Quebec City, Canada. In 1918, after two years in Quebec, he moved to Montreal where he found work as a 'pit band' director for the vaudeville shows at the Princess theatre.

In January 1919, he led his 'Famous Chicago Jazz Band' at Montreal's famed Palais de Danse. In 1920, the band was called 'The Famous Chicago Novelty Orchestra', and played for two years at a vaudeville house, - the Starland theatre. He also formed his own music publishing company that year.

Thomas' band varied from 5 to 9 men, meeting the budget set by his jobs which included dance halls, nightclubs, and amusement parks. The band was often heard on local radio as well. On December 20, 1922, Thomas' band opened at the Mount Royal Hotel, - a rare honor for a 'Black' band in those days.

In 1928, Thomas settled in New York City. During this time, be both performed and composed music for the stage and for the church. Among his compositions were an oratorio and an Opera.

      [ Morgan Thomas Band ], (40's)
Currently no information available.

      [ (Andy Tipaldi and the) Melody Kings Dance Orchestra ]
Please also see The Melody Kings.
Leader Andy Tipaldi (banjo) and his brother John (violin) left New York City about 1917 arrived in Montreal with their own (all White musicians) band. They were a very successful orchestra throughout the 1920's, -varying between 5 and 9 men. In 1923 American banjo picker Andy Tipaldi took over leadership of the (original) Melody Kings Orchestra, and it then became known as the 'Melody Kings Dance Orchestra'. (I do not know if any of the original sidemen who came to Canada with the Andy Tipaldi band were integrated into the 'Melody Kings Dance Orchestra'.) Here's a photograph of the 1923 Melody Kings Dance Orch.. Sheet music of that day described the band as Canada's Premier Dance Orchestra. Listen to their recording of "Limehouse Blues" which is indicated in HMV (an English record company) records as having been recorded in 1924, but other information indicates it was actually recorded late in 1923.

Andy's bandleading career ended with the Stock Market Crash of 1919. He had invested his earnings in the market and was wiped out. He then tried (and failed) to operate a nightclub, and subsequently devoted the rest of his career to managing the Musician's Guild of Montreal.

The 1923 Melody Kings consisted of Leader Andy on banjo; brother John on violin; Rip Doucette on trumpet; Leo Dufault on tenor sax; Alex Lajoie on alto sax; Al Gagnon on trombone; Billy Monroe on piano, and Rob Roy on drums. In time, Gagnon and Lajoie became popular leaders themselves.

      [ Joe Tucker Playing Popular Pieces and Pleasing Particular People ], (20's)
Currently no information available.