Oscar Rabin (26 April 1899 – 20 June 1958) was a Latvian born English bandleader and musician. He was notable for being the musical director of the Oscar Rabin Band.Of Jewish origin, he was born in Riga, Latvia and came to London, England as a child. A blind music teacher and violinist taught Rabin music in exchange for him acting as a guide. At 15 he became a professional musician, he then worked in theatre orchestras and attended the Guildhall School of Music.His career was interrupted by service in World War I, then in 1922 he formed an ensemble with Harry Davis. He went on to form the Oscar Rabin Band (see main article) but was not the leader on stage as he preferred to play the bass saxophone.He died in London aged 59. His granddaughter, Rachel Rabin, is also a musician.
The son of a Latvian cobbler, Rabin studied at the Guildhall School of Music and formed his first band while in his teens. He struck up a partnership with the guitarist Harry Davis and, in 1924, became co-leader of the Oscar Rabin and Harry Davis Orchestra. The band remained popular, playing major venues in London until the 1950's, Davis being the front man and Rabin providing the business acumen.
$4 Million
