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The Hour of Charm Orchestra was an American musical group led by Phil Spitalny. Popular in the 1930s and 1940s,^[1] it was an all-female orchestra in an era when most orchestra members were male.^[2] The group was also known as Phil Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra.^[3]

Background

Inspired by witnessing a 1932 concert that featured "an electrifying performance by a brilliant female violinist,"^[2] Spitalny disbanded a male orchestra that he directed and began a tour of the United States, seeking female musicians for a new orchestra.^[4] His expenditure of $40,000^[5] and auditions of 1,500 women produced a 32-member orchestra that debuted at the Capitol Theatre in New York City in 1934.^[4] The musicians usually ranged in age from 17 to 30, and most were single.

A retrospective newspaper article about Spitalny published in 1958 noted "ridicule from all sides in show business and ... sour comments from his musician brothers that he was 'crazy'" as he created "the first all-girl band of any consequence ever organized."^[6]

Style

The orchestra's specialty was music familiar to its audiences.^[2] In an article in the January 7, 1945, issue of Radio Life magazine, Spitalny described the group's style as "between symphonic and popular."^[7] Arrangements, which were done by three members of the orchestra,^[7] usually featured piano, harp, and strings more than saxophones, trombones, and trumpets.^[8] Sherrie Tucker, in her book, Swing Shift: “All-Girl” Bands of the 1940s, described "the orchestra's trademark effects of quivering strings, dramatic brass fanfares, galloping rhythms, and sweeping flurries from the harp."^[9]

Spitalny stressed class and decorum in the group's performances, in contrast to the "blatant sex appeal" of a contemporary all-female orchestra, Ina Ray Hutton's Melodears.^[8] He required the musicians to dress in formal evening gowns.^[8] The dresses, usually white, were uniform in design.^[10] The purchase of one lot of dresses in the mid-1940s cost $18,000.^[7]

Personnel

Nearly all of the musicians were single, and their contracts required them to give six months' notice if they planned to marry.^[11] Most of them were graduates of conservatories.^[12] Versatility was a key element of the orchestra. Some members sang solos, and all of them formed a vocal chorus. Each was proficient on at least two instruments; one, Jan Baker, could play 12.^[2]

Evelyn Kaye, whom Spitalny met at the Juilliard School in New York, became the orchestra's first violinist and concertmistress. She joined him on the audition tour, seeking other members for the group. She was billed as "Evelyn and Her Magic Violin", with the violin being a Bergonzi.^[2] made in 1756 and given to her as an award from the Arts Club of America upon her graduation from Juilliard.^[13]

The core orchestra that played in the studio for radio broadcasts consisted of 45 women. On tour, however, Kaye noted in a 1978 interview, "we added 25 players because we needed a bigger sound for the auditoriums and halls where we played.".^[13]

Spitalny had a policy of billing the orchestra's members only by first name.^[14]

Organization

The orchestra was set up as a stock company, with each member owning a number of shares of stock based on her role. At year's end, profits were distributed based on each person's shares^[7] in addition to their regular salaries.^[11] A five-woman committee governed the group, making decisions on matters such as whether or not members were allowed to go out on dates.^[7]

Film

Spitalny and the musicians from The Hour of Charm appeared in two feature films. In When Johnny Comes Marching Home (1942), the group portrayed substitute musicians who filled in for male musicians who were abroad during World War II.^[15] In Here Come the Co-Eds (1945), the women portrayed residents of a girls' dormitory who played and sang music.^[9]

The group also made short subjects, mostly for Universal Pictures -- "more short subject films than any other all-girl band except for Ina Ray Hutton and her Melodears."^[15] The productions included Moments of Charm (1939), Musical Charmers (1936), Big City Fantasy (1934) and Phil Spitalny and His Musical Queens (1934).^[15]

Critical reception

Paul Denis, in a review published in the October 25, 1941, issue of the trade publication Billboard, noted that the orchestra's performance at the Strand Theatre in New York, was "strong on fine melodious singing and instrumental music, but weak on comedy and surprise."^[16]

Recognition

In 1937, the Radio Committee of the Women's National Exposition of Arts and Industries recognized the orchestra with its third annual Achievement Award for the most distinguished work of women in radio.^[17]

References

^ Hoff, Chris; Harnett, Sam (August 2, 2016). "The World According to Sound: The Hour of Charm Orchestra". KQED. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 331–332. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved 2019-09-21.
^ "Evelyn Klein Spitalny, Violinist, Is Dead at 79". The New York Times. New York, New York City. 1990. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
^ ^a ^b "Phil Spitalny, Leader of All‐Girl Orchestra, Dies at 80". The New York Times. New York, New York City. October 12, 1970. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
^ "Took $40,000 Trip to Bring Together Famous Orchestra". Standard-Sentinel. Pennsylvania, Hazleton. June 5, 1954. p. 6. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Monahan, Kaspar (March 16, 1958). "Girl Band Maestro Retires". The Pittsburgh Press. Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. p. Amusements - 1. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Bigsby, Evelyn (January 7, 1945). "Thirty Five Girls With No Secrets" (PDF). Radio Life. pp. 6.26, 30. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c Young, William H.; Young, Nancy K. (2010). World War II and the Postwar Years in America: A-I. ABC-CLIO. pp. 16–17. ISBN 9780313356520. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
^ ^a ^b Tucker, Sherrie (2001). Swing Shift: "All-Girl" Bands of the 1940s. Duke University Press. p. 70. ISBN 0822328178. Retrieved 1 May 2018. Hour of Charm.
^ Kerr, Adelaide (November 6, 1943). "Evelyn Maintains Harmony Among 35 Girl Musicians". The Mercury. Pennsylvania, Pottstown. Associated Press. p. 4. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b Lake, Talbot (September 17, 1940). "All-Gal Orchestra Is Chuck Full Of Talent". The Owensboro Messenger. Kentucky, Owensboro. p. 4. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Hour of Charm Features All-Girl Orchestra". The Tampa Tribune. Florida, Tampa. June 24, 1951. p. 9 - C. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ ^a ^b Von Maurer, Bill (May 5, 1978). "Evelyn and Her Magic Violin". The Miami News. Florida, Miami. p. D - 1. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
^ "Queens of Harmony (1937)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c McGee, Kristin A. (2010). Some Liked It Hot: Jazz Women in Film and Television, 1928–1959. Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 9780819569677. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
^ Denis, Paul (October 25, 1941). "Review of Units: Phil Spitalny" (PDF). Billboard. p. 23. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
^ "Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra Receives Award of Year". Altoona Tribune. Pennsylvania, Altoona. March 18, 1938. p. 12. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

External links

[kqed-1] Hoff, Chris; Harnett, Sam (August 2, 2016). "The World According to Sound: The Hour of Charm Orchestra". KQED. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.

[dunningota-2] Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 331–332. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved 2019-09-21.

[3] "Evelyn Klein Spitalny, Violinist, Is Dead at 79". The New York Times. New York, New York City. 1990. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

[nyt-4] "Phil Spitalny, Leader of All‐Girl Orchestra, Dies at 80". The New York Times. New York, New York City. October 12, 1970. Archived from the original on 1 May 2018. Retrieved 1 May 2018.

[5] "Took $40,000 Trip to Bring Together Famous Orchestra". Standard-Sentinel. Pennsylvania, Hazleton. June 5, 1954. p. 6. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[pp-6] Monahan, Kaspar (March 16, 1958). "Girl Band Maestro Retires". The Pittsburgh Press. Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh. p. Amusements - 1. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[Bigsby_1945-7] Bigsby, Evelyn (January 7, 1945). "Thirty Five Girls With No Secrets" (PDF). Radio Life. pp. 6.26, 30. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

[wwII-8] Young, William H.; Young, Nancy K. (2010). World War II and the Postwar Years in America: A-I. ABC-CLIO. pp. 16–17. ISBN 9780313356520. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

[ss-9] Tucker, Sherrie (2001). Swing Shift: "All-Girl" Bands of the 1940s. Duke University Press. p. 70. ISBN 0822328178. Retrieved 1 May 2018. Hour of Charm.

[m-10] Kerr, Adelaide (November 6, 1943). "Evelyn Maintains Harmony Among 35 Girl Musicians". The Mercury. Pennsylvania, Pottstown. Associated Press. p. 4. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[om-11] Lake, Talbot (September 17, 1940). "All-Gal Orchestra Is Chuck Full Of Talent". The Owensboro Messenger. Kentucky, Owensboro. p. 4. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[12] "Hour of Charm Features All-Girl Orchestra". The Tampa Tribune. Florida, Tampa. June 24, 1951. p. 9 - C. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[mnd1-13] Von Maurer, Bill (May 5, 1978). "Evelyn and Her Magic Violin". The Miami News. Florida, Miami. p. D - 1. Retrieved May 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

[afi-14] "Queens of Harmony (1937)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films. American Film Institute. Archived from the original on 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

[slih-15] McGee, Kristin A. (2010). Some Liked It Hot: Jazz Women in Film and Television, 1928–1959. Wesleyan University Press. ISBN 9780819569677. Retrieved 1 May 2018.

[bb-16] Denis, Paul (October 25, 1941). "Review of Units: Phil Spitalny" (PDF). Billboard. p. 23. Retrieved 2 May 2018.

[17] "Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra Receives Award of Year". Altoona Tribune. Pennsylvania, Altoona. March 18, 1938. p. 12. Retrieved May 3, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.

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+{{Short description|American musical group}}
 [[File:Hour of Charm orchestra.jpg|thumb|right|400px|The Hour of Charm Orchestra as seen in a screen capture from ''Army-Navy Screen Magazine'' Number 22]]
-The '''Hour of Charm Orchestra''' was an American musical group led by [[Phil Spitalny]]. Popular in the 1930s and 1940s,<ref name="kqed">{{cite web|last1=Hoff|first1=Chris|last2=Harnett|first2=Sam|title=The World According to Sound: The Hour of Charm Orchestra|url=https://www.kqed.org/news/11035602/the-world-according-to-sound-the-hour-of-charm|website=KQED|accessdate=1 May 2018|archiveurl=https://archive.li/f0V0t|archivedate=1 May 2018|date=August 2, 2016}}</ref> it was an all-female orchestra in an era when most orchestra members were male.<ref name="dunningota">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HqhoAgAAQBAJ&dq=%22The+Hour+of+Charm,+music;%22&pg=PA331#v=onepage&f=false |last =Dunning |first=John |authorlink=John Dunning (detective fiction author) |title=On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio |date=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=New York, NY |isbn=978-0-19-507678-3|pages=331-332 |edition=Revised |accessdate=2019-09-21}}</ref> The group was also known as '''Phil Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra'''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Evelyn Klein Spitalny, Violinist, Is Dead at 79|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/13/obituaries/evelyn-klein-spitalny-violinist-is-dead-at-79.html|accessdate=2 May 2018|work=The New York Times|date=1990|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502212304/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/13/obituaries/evelyn-klein-spitalny-violinist-is-dead-at-79.html|archivedate=2 May 2018|location=New York, New York City}}</ref>
+The '''Hour of Charm Orchestra''' was an American musical group led by [[Phil Spitalny]]. Popular in the 1930s and 1940s,<ref name="kqed">{{cite web|last1=Hoff|first1=Chris|last2=Harnett|first2=Sam|title=The World According to Sound: The Hour of Charm Orchestra|url=https://www.kqed.org/news/11035602/the-world-according-to-sound-the-hour-of-charm|website=KQED|access-date=1 May 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180501231206/https://www.kqed.org/news/11035602|archive-date=1 May 2018|date=August 2, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> it was an all-female orchestra in an era when most orchestra members were male.<ref name="dunningota">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EwtRbXNca0oC&dq=%22The+Hour+of+Charm,+music;%22&pg=PA331|last1=Dunning|first1=John|author-link=John Dunning (detective fiction author)|title=On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio|date=1998|publisher=Oxford University Press|location=New York, NY|isbn=978-0-19-507678-3|pages=331-332|edition=Revised|access-date=2019-09-21}}</ref> The group was also known as '''Phil Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra'''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Evelyn Klein Spitalny, Violinist, Is Dead at 79|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/13/obituaries/evelyn-klein-spitalny-violinist-is-dead-at-79.html|access-date=2 May 2018|work=The New York Times|date=1990|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502212304/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/13/obituaries/evelyn-klein-spitalny-violinist-is-dead-at-79.html|archive-date=2 May 2018|location=New York, New York City}}</ref>
 == Background ==
-Inspired by witnessing a 1932 concert that featured "an electrifying performance by a brilliant female violinist,"<ref name="dunningota" /> Spitalny disbanded a male orchestra that he directed and began a tour of the United States, seeking female musicians for a new orchestra.<ref name="nyt"/> His expenditure of $40,000<ref>{{cite news|title=Took $40,000 Trip to Bring Together Famous Orchestra|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19792849/hour_of_charm_orchestra/|work=Standard-Sentinel|date=June 5, 1954|location=Pennsylvania, Hazleton|page=6|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> and auditions of 1,500 women produced a 32-member orchestra that debuted at the [[Capitol Theatre (New York City)|Capitol Theatre]] in New York City in 1934.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|title=Phil Spitalny, Leader of All‐Girl Orchestra, Dies at 80|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/12/archives/phil-spitalny-leader-of-allgirl-orchestra-dies-at-80.html|accessdate=1 May 2018|work=The New York Times|date=October 12, 1970|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501233755/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/12/archives/phil-spitalny-leader-of-allgirl-orchestra-dies-at-80.html|archivedate=1 May 2018|location=New York, New York City}}</ref> The musicians usually ranged in age from 17 to 30, and most were single.
+Inspired by witnessing a 1932 concert that featured "an electrifying performance by a brilliant female violinist,"<ref name="dunningota" /> Spitalny disbanded a male orchestra that he directed and began a tour of the United States, seeking female musicians for a new orchestra.<ref name="nyt"/> His expenditure of $40,000<ref>{{cite news|title=Took $40,000 Trip to Bring Together Famous Orchestra|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19792849/hour_of_charm_orchestra/|work=Standard-Sentinel|date=June 5, 1954|location=Pennsylvania, Hazleton|page=6|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> and auditions of 1,500 women produced a 32-member orchestra that debuted at the [[Capitol Theatre (New York City)|Capitol Theatre]] in New York City in 1934.<ref name="nyt">{{cite news|title=Phil Spitalny, Leader of All‐Girl Orchestra, Dies at 80|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/12/archives/phil-spitalny-leader-of-allgirl-orchestra-dies-at-80.html|access-date=1 May 2018|work=The New York Times|date=October 12, 1970|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180501233755/https://www.nytimes.com/1970/10/12/archives/phil-spitalny-leader-of-allgirl-orchestra-dies-at-80.html|archive-date=1 May 2018|location=New York, New York City}}</ref> The musicians usually ranged in age from 17 to 30, and most were single.
-A retrospective newspaper article about Spitalny published in 1958 noted "ridicule from all sides in show business and ... sour comments from his musician brothers that he was 'crazy'" as he created "the first all-girl band of any consequence ever organized."<ref name="pp">{{cite news|last1=Monahan|first1=Kaspar|title=Girl Band Maestro Retires|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19792335/phil_spitalny/|work=The Pittsburgh Press|date=March 16, 1958|location=Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh|page=Amusements - 1|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
+A retrospective newspaper article about Spitalny published in 1958 noted "ridicule from all sides in show business and ... sour comments from his musician brothers that he was 'crazy'" as he created "the first all-girl band of any consequence ever organized."<ref name="pp">{{cite news|last1=Monahan|first1=Kaspar|title=Girl Band Maestro Retires|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19792335/phil_spitalny/|work=The Pittsburgh Press|date=March 16, 1958|location=Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh|page=Amusements - 1|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
 ==Style==
-The orchestra's specialty was music familiar to its audiences.<ref name=dunningota/> In an article in the January 7, 1945, issue of ''Radio Life'' magazine, Spitaly described the group's style as "between symphonic and popular."<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> Arrangements, which were done by three members of the orchestra,<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> usually featured piano, harp, and strings more than saxophones, trombones, and trumpets.<ref name=wwII/> Sherrie Tucker, in her book, ''Swing Shift: “All-Girl” Bands of the 1940s'', described "the orchestra's trademark effects of quivering strings, dramatic brass fanfares, galloping rhythms, and sweeping flurries from the harp."<ref name="ss" />
+The orchestra's specialty was music familiar to its audiences.<ref name=dunningota/> In an article in the January 7, 1945, issue of ''Radio Life'' magazine, Spitalny described the group's style as "between symphonic and popular."<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> Arrangements, which were done by three members of the orchestra,<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> usually featured piano, harp, and strings more than saxophones, trombones, and trumpets.<ref name=wwII/> Sherrie Tucker, in her book, ''Swing Shift: “All-Girl” Bands of the 1940s'', described "the orchestra's trademark effects of quivering strings, dramatic brass fanfares, galloping rhythms, and sweeping flurries from the harp."<ref name="ss" />
-Spitalny stressed class and decorum in the group's performances, in contrast to the "blatant sex appeal" of a contemporary all-female orchestra, [[Ina Ray Hutton]]'s [[Melodears]].<ref name="wwII">{{cite book|last1=Young|first1=William H.|last2=Young|first2=Nancy K.|title=World War II and the Postwar Years in America: A-I|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313356520|pages=16–17|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YjbR9EXABPEC&pg=PA17&lpg=PA17&dq=%22Evelyn+Silverstone%22+violin&source=bl&ots=rwfKFMIcOg&sig=OTts-7dhJUJUOgCJiAJzFnetUgs&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjqwZjq6efaAhVpxoMKHdQkChAQ6AEIRTAJ#v=onepage&q=%22Evelyn%20Silverstone%22%20violin&f=false|accessdate=2 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> He required the musicians to dress in formal evening gowns.<ref name=wwII/> The dresses, usually white, were uniform in design.<ref name="m">{{cite news|last1=Kerr|first1=Adelaide|title=Evelyn Maintains Harmony Among 35 Girl Musicians|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19763573/evelyn_klein/|work=The Mercury|agency=Associated Press|date=November 6, 1943|location=Pennsylvania, Pottstown|page=4|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 2, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> The purchase of one lot of dresses in the mid-1940s cost $18,000.<ref name="Bigsby 1945">{{cite news|last1=Bigsby|first1=Evelyn|title=Thirty Five Girls With No Secrets|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Site-Early-Radio/Archive-Radio-Life-IDX/IDX/Radio-Life-1945-01-07-OCR-Page-0006.pdf|accessdate=2 May 2018|work=Radio Life|date=January 7, 1945|pages=6.26,30}}</ref>
+Spitalny stressed class and decorum in the group's performances, in contrast to the "blatant sex appeal" of a contemporary all-female orchestra, [[Ina Ray Hutton]]'s [[Melodears]].<ref name="wwII">{{cite book|last1=Young|first1=William H.|last2=Young|first2=Nancy K.|title=World War II and the Postwar Years in America: A-I|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313356520|pages=16–17|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YjbR9EXABPEC&q=%22Evelyn+Silverstone%22+violin&pg=PA17|access-date=2 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> He required the musicians to dress in formal evening gowns.<ref name=wwII/> The dresses, usually white, were uniform in design.<ref name="m">{{cite news|last1=Kerr|first1=Adelaide|title=Evelyn Maintains Harmony Among 35 Girl Musicians|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19763573/evelyn_klein/|work=The Mercury|agency=Associated Press|date=November 6, 1943|location=Pennsylvania, Pottstown|page=4|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 2, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> The purchase of one lot of dresses in the mid-1940s cost $18,000.<ref name="Bigsby 1945">{{cite news|last1=Bigsby|first1=Evelyn|title=Thirty Five Girls With No Secrets|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Site-Early-Radio/Archive-Radio-Life-IDX/IDX/Radio-Life-1945-01-07-OCR-Page-0006.pdf|access-date=2 May 2018|work=Radio Life|date=January 7, 1945|pages=6.26,30}}</ref>
 ==Personnel==
-[[File:Evelyn Kaye from Army-Navy Screen Magazine Number 22.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Evelyn Kaye]] plays with the Hour of Charm Orchestra in this screen capture from ''Army-Navy Screen Magazine'' Number 22.]]Nearly all of the musicians were single, and their contracts required them to give six months' notice if they planned to marry.<ref name="om">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19764604/evelyn_klein/|title=All-Gal Orchestra Is Chuck Full Of Talent|last1=Lake|first1=Talbot|date=September 17, 1940|work=The Owensboro Messenger|accessdate=May 2, 2018|location=Kentucky, Owensboro|page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Most of them were graduates of conservatories.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hour of Charm Features All-Girl Orchestra|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19791330/hour_of_charm/|work=The Tampa Tribune|date=June 24, 1951|location=Florida, Tampa|page=9 - C|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> Versatility was a key element of the orchestra. Some members sang solos, and all of them formed a vocal chorus. Each was proficient on at least two instruments; one, Jan Baker, could play 12.<ref name=dunningota/>
+[[File:Evelyn Kaye from Army-Navy Screen Magazine Number 22.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Evelyn Kaye]] plays with the Hour of Charm Orchestra in this screen capture from ''Army-Navy Screen Magazine'' Number 22.]]Nearly all of the musicians were single, and their contracts required them to give six months' notice if they planned to marry.<ref name="om">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19764604/evelyn_klein/|title=All-Gal Orchestra Is Chuck Full Of Talent|last1=Lake|first1=Talbot|date=September 17, 1940|work=The Owensboro Messenger|access-date=May 2, 2018|location=Kentucky, Owensboro|page=4|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}} {{Open access}}</ref> Most of them were graduates of conservatories.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hour of Charm Features All-Girl Orchestra|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19791330/hour_of_charm/|work=The Tampa Tribune|date=June 24, 1951|location=Florida, Tampa|page=9 - C|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref> Versatility was a key element of the orchestra. Some members sang solos, and all of them formed a vocal chorus. Each was proficient on at least two instruments; one, Jan Baker, could play 12.<ref name=dunningota/>
 [[Evelyn Kaye]],  whom Spitalny met at the [[Juilliard School]] in New York, became the orchestra's first violinist and [[concertmistress]]. She joined him on the audition tour, seeking other members for the group. She was billed as "Evelyn and Her Magic Violin", with the violin being a  [[Carlo Bergonzi (luthier)|Bergonzi]].<ref name=dunningota/> made in 1756 and given to her as an award from the Arts Club of America upon her graduation from Juilliard.<ref name="mnd1" />
-The core orchestra that played in the studio for radio broadcasts consisted of 45 women. On tour, however, Kaye noted in a 1978 interview, "we added 25 players because we needed a bigger sound for the auditoriums and halls where we played.".<ref name="mnd1">{{cite news|last1=Von Maurer|first1=Bill|title=Evelyn and Her Magic Violin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19758637/evelyn_klein/|work=The Miami News|date=May 5, 1978|location=Florida, Miami|page=D - 1|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 2, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
+The core orchestra that played in the studio for radio broadcasts consisted of 45 women. On tour, however, Kaye noted in a 1978 interview, "we added 25 players because we needed a bigger sound for the auditoriums and halls where we played.".<ref name="mnd1">{{cite news|last1=Von Maurer|first1=Bill|title=Evelyn and Her Magic Violin|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19758637/evelyn_klein/|work=The Miami News|date=May 5, 1978|location=Florida, Miami|page=D - 1|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 2, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
-Spitalny had a policy of billing the orchestra's members only by first name.<ref name="afi">{{cite web|title=Queens of Harmony (1937)|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/70314|website=AFI Catalog of Feature Films|publisher=American Film Institute|accessdate=2 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502162320/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/70314|archivedate=2 May 2018}}</ref>
+Spitalny had a policy of billing the orchestra's members only by first name.<ref name="afi">{{cite web|title=Queens of Harmony (1937)|url=https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/70314|website=AFI Catalog of Feature Films|publisher=American Film Institute|access-date=2 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502162320/https://catalog.afi.com/Catalog/moviedetails/70314|archive-date=2 May 2018}}</ref>
 == Organization ==
-The orchestra was set up as a stock company, with each member owning a number of shares of stock based on her role. At year's end, profits were distributed based on each person's shares<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> in addition to their regular salaries.<ref name="om" /> A five-woman committee governed the group, making decisions on matters such as whether or not member were allowed to go out on dates.<ref name="Bigsby 1945" />
+The orchestra was set up as a stock company, with each member owning a number of shares of stock based on her role. At year's end, profits were distributed based on each person's shares<ref name="Bigsby 1945" /> in addition to their regular salaries.<ref name="om" /> A five-woman committee governed the group, making decisions on matters such as whether or not members were allowed to go out on dates.<ref name="Bigsby 1945" />
 ==Film==
-Spitalny and the musicians from ''[[The Hour of Charm]]'' appeared in two feature films. In ''[[When Johnny Comes Marching Home (film)|When Johnny Comes Marching Home]]'' (1942), the group portrayed substitute musicians who filled in for male musicians who were abroad during World War II.<ref name="slih">{{cite book|last1=McGee|first1=Kristin A.|title=Some Liked It Hot: Jazz Women in Film and Television, 1928–1959|date=2010|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=9780819569677|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmsbhYc8-XEC&pg=PA171&dq=%22Hour+of+Charm%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjTtOSps-XaAhUO-GMKHbK6B1wQ6AEILzAB#v=onepage&q=%22Hour%20of%20Charm%22&f=false|accessdate=1 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> In ''[[Here Come the Co-Eds]]'' (1945), the women portrayed residents of a girls' dormitory who played and sang music.<ref name="ss">{{cite book|last1=Tucker|first1=Sherrie|title=Swing Shift: "All-Girl" Bands of the 1940s|date=2001|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=0822328178|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qf2IURpwmuYC&pg=PA70&dq=%22Hour+of+Charm%22&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjTtOSps-XaAhUO-GMKHbK6B1wQ6AEIKTAA#v=onepage&q=%22Hour%20of%20Charm%22&f=false|accessdate=1 May 2018|language=en}}</ref>
+Spitalny and the musicians from ''[[The Hour of Charm]]'' appeared in two feature films. In ''[[When Johnny Comes Marching Home (film)|When Johnny Comes Marching Home]]'' (1942), the group portrayed substitute musicians who filled in for male musicians who were abroad during World War II.<ref name="slih">{{cite book|last1=McGee|first1=Kristin A.|title=Some Liked It Hot: Jazz Women in Film and Television, 1928–1959|date=2010|publisher=Wesleyan University Press|isbn=9780819569677|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vmsbhYc8-XEC&q=%22Hour+of+Charm%22&pg=PA171|access-date=1 May 2018|language=en}}</ref> In ''[[Here Come the Co-Eds]]'' (1945), the women portrayed residents of a girls' dormitory who played and sang music.<ref name="ss">{{cite book|last1=Tucker|first1=Sherrie|title=Swing Shift: "All-Girl" Bands of the 1940s|date=2001|publisher=Duke University Press|isbn=0822328178|url=https://archive.org/details/swingshiftallgir0000tuck|url-access=registration|page=[https://archive.org/details/swingshiftallgir0000tuck/page/70 70]|quote=Hour of Charm.|access-date=1 May 2018|language=en}}</ref>
 The group also made [[Short film|short subjects]], mostly for [[Universal Pictures]] -- "more short subject films than any other all-girl band except for Ina Ray Hutton and her Melodears."<ref name="slih" /> The productions included ''Moments of Charm'' (1939), ''Musical Charmers'' (1936), ''Big City Fantasy'' (1934) and ''Phil Spitalny and His Musical Queens'' (1934).<ref name="slih" />
 ==Critical reception==
-Paul Denis, in a review published in the October 25, 1941, issue of the trade publication ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', noted that the orchestra's performance at the [[Strand Theatre (Manhattan)|Strand Theatre]] in New York, was "strong on fine melodious singing and instrumental music, but weak on comedy and surprise."<ref name="bb">{{cite news|last1=Denis|first1=Paul|title=Review of Units: Phil Spitalny|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Billboard-IDX/IDX/40s/1941/BB-1941-10-25-OCR-Page-0023.pdf|accessdate=2 May 2018|work=Billboard|date=October 25, 1941|page=23}}</ref>
+Paul Denis, in a review published in the October 25, 1941, issue of the trade publication ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'', noted that the orchestra's performance at the [[Strand Theatre (Manhattan)|Strand Theatre]] in New York, was "strong on fine melodious singing and instrumental music, but weak on comedy and surprise."<ref name="bb">{{cite news|last1=Denis|first1=Paul|title=Review of Units: Phil Spitalny|url=http://www.americanradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Music/Archive-Billboard-IDX/IDX/40s/1941/BB-1941-10-25-OCR-Page-0023.pdf|access-date=2 May 2018|work=Billboard|date=October 25, 1941|page=23}}</ref>
 ==Recognition==
-In 1937, the Radio Committee of the Women's National Exposition of Arts and Industries recognized the orchestra with its third annual Achievement Award for the most distinguished work of women in radio.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra Receives Award of Year|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19776889/hour_of_charm_orchestra/|work=Altoona Tribune|date=March 18, 1938|location=Pennsylvania, Altoona|page=12|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|accessdate = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
+In 1937, the Radio Committee of the Women's National Exposition of Arts and Industries recognized the orchestra with its third annual Achievement Award for the most distinguished work of women in radio.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spitalny's All-Girl Orchestra Receives Award of Year|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/19776889/hour_of_charm_orchestra/|work=Altoona Tribune|date=March 18, 1938|location=Pennsylvania, Altoona|page=12|via = [[Newspapers.com]]|access-date = May 3, 2018}} {{Open access}}</ref>
 ==References==
@@ Line 49: / Line 50: @@
 [[Category:Musical groups established in 1934]]
 [[Category:Big bands]]
+[[Category:1934 establishments in New York City]]