Reuss, Allan

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Reuss, Allan

Reuss, Allan , jazz guitarist; b. N.Y., June 15, 1915. Did first gig at the age of 12, shortly after taking up banjo. Worked on guitar during the early 1930s and studied with George Van Epps, with Benny Goodman from April-June 1935, then regularly with Goodman (August 1936 until March 1938). Organized own teaching studio in N.Y. and took part in many pick-up recording sessions. With Jack Teagarden from January until June 1939, joined Paul Whiteman autumn 1939. With Ted Weems from spring of 1941 until joining Jimmy Dorsey in March 1942, then did studio work for N.B.C, in Chicago until rejoining Benny Goodman from June 1943 until June 1944. With Harry James until May 1945, led own trio in Los Angeles, then concentrated on freelance session work in Hollywood, also did regular teaching.

—John Chilton, Who’s Who of Jazz/Lewis Porter