Tony Pastor(May 28, 1837 – August 26, 1908) was an American impresario, variety performer and theatre owner who became one of the founding forces behind American vaudeville in the mid-to-late nineteenth century. He was sometimes referred to as the "Father of Vaudeville". The strongest elements of his entertainments were an almost jingoistic brand of United States patriotism and a strong commitment to attracting a mixed-gender audience, the latter being something revolutionary in the male-oriented variety halls of the mid-century.A collection of his papers is maintained at the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas in Austin [1], and in the archives of the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts [2]
Gravelly-voiced vocalist (his idol was Louis Armstrong !) and tenor saxophonist, who got his big break when featured on the Bluebird recording of "Indian Love Call" by Artie Shaw. This enabled him to form his own orchestra when Shaw disbanded in 1939. Pastor's band survived until the late 1950's, thanks in the main to a series of radio broadcasts and recording contracts with Bluebird, Victor and Columbia. In addition, he spotted fine vocalists in the Clooney Sisters, Rosemary and Betty, as well as several excellent sidemen in Al Avola, Buddy Morrow, Hank Freeman, Budd Johnson and Lou McGarity.
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In the late 1950's, Pastor gave up the band to lead smaller combos at several Las Vegas casinos and lounges, featuring his young sons Guy and Tony Jr. on vocals. He was forced to retire due to health problems in early 1968 and died at his Connecticut home the following year.
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Pastor's band made several short films for Columbia and Universal in the 1940's, as well as appearing in one full-length Columbia feature, Two Blondes and a Redhead (1947).
Tenor saxophonist/singer/big band leader. First gained notice while with Artie Shaw's band in the late 1930s, forming his own band in 1940 and continuing with it until his death.
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