Mitchell Ayres

Known best for his large role in the career of Perry Como (he served as musical director and conductor), Mitchell Ayres also led his own orchestra for nearly ten years during the '30s and '40s. Born Mitchell Agress in Milwaukee in 1910, Ayres' instrument of choice when young was the violin, and he jumped aboard a local band led by vocalist Little Jack Little. A faction of that group broke away in the late '30s, and Ayres was chosen as the leader of the Fashions in Music orchestra. The group played all around the country during the late '30s up until disbanding in the late '40s...