My father, Kenneth Claude Frew (1902-1986), was first trumpet with Dan Gregory from 1927 through the 1930s. The orchestra was based out of Harrisburg, but my father joined him while he was playing in Leechburg, Pa. one year. Dan is deceased.
(Dan) Gregory worked the Crystal Palace at 66th and Broadway and recorded under several pseudonyms such as Johnson’s Dance Orchestra and Dale’s Dance Orchestra for Cameo Records in 1923. In 1923 my Dad (Kenny Frew)was still back in Leechburg/Vandergrift alternately working at the steel mill or small bands such as Ivan Fiscus. Gregory released two 78s for Victor in 1924 and then “got rid of his high-priced men” as he called them, and went back to Harrisburg to reorganize the band my Dad joined. Gregory by the way, went on to manage Tony Pastor’s Orchestra and helped discover Rosemary Clooney. My Dad died in 1986. I wrote up his story in To A Harmony With Our Souls: a History of Jazz in Central Pennsylvania a few years ago.
Unfortunately my Dad’s not on any of Gregory’s recordings.
-Ken Frew
Research Librarian HSDC
