Ted Fio Rito

Remembered as swank bandleader and composer of remarkably infectious melodies, Ted Fio Rito began his career at the age of 16 playing piano in a nickelodeon, after which he worked as a song demonstrator for publisher Al Piantadosi. By the time he was 18, Fio Rito was a member of Ross Gorman's band. Fio Rito's own orchestra was initially named for Detroit's Oriole Terrace, where he premiered the ensemble in partnership with Dan Russo. As this band roamed the midwest throughout the mid-'20s, it became known as the Russo-Fio Rito Orchestra. They then held down a steady gig playin...