Al Kavelin

Al Kavelin was considered by many to be one of the best sweet bandleaders of the 1930's and is best remembered today for featuring Carmen Cavallaro in his band. A graduate of the Royal Verdi Conservatory in Italy, Kavelin started his band work with Jean Goldkette’s band. In 1933, with the urging of Eddy Duchin, Kavelin formed his own band. Originally lasting eight weeks, their contract was extended to twenty-four weeks by CBS, who picked them up on a national hookup. This broadcast also attracted the attention of MCA, who signed them to a contract making the band available on a national basis.

During the next several years, Kavelin appeared coast-to-coast at famed spots as the Waldorf-Astoria, the Blackstone, the Mark Hopkins, the Peabody and the Roosevelt among others.

As time went on, Kavelin gave up his band and settled in the Los Angeles area. By 1978, he operated Kavelin Tours Incorporated.

The band that Al Kavelin led sounded a bit like Eddy Duchin, yet it also had a lovely, ensemble sound. Among the singers he employed in his band included Vivian Blaine, Bill Darnell, Don Cornell and Virginia Gilcrest. Kavelin recorded for Columbia, Bluebird and Decca. Kavelin also wrote several songs, including “I Give You My Word”, “Love Has Gone”, “La Kiconga” and “Blue Grass Region.”