He wrote "Toot, Toot, Tootsie: Ted Fio Rito

One of the many overlooked bandleaders of the 1930's and 40's is Newark, New Jersey born Teodorico Salvatore Fiorito....stage name Ted Fio Rita.

Ted was the son to an Italian immigrant couple. He attended the same high school as composer Jerome Kern, Barringer High School in Newark.

Ted Fio Rito was bandleader, keyboardist and songwriter. He was known for using trick rhythms, temple blocks, musical triplets, and a Hammond organ in his arrangements. He also sported a humorous bassist, Candy Candido, who had a trick voice.

Betty Grable was vocalist in the early 1930s. Future actor Leif Ericson also sang at one time.

In the late 1930s Fio Rito stopped using tricks and modernized his orchestra. Later vocalists included the group Kay Swingle and her Brothers and future actress, and wife of Fred McMurray, June Haver.

His popularity began to decline in the mid-1940s. During the 1950s and 1960s he led bands in Chicago and Arizona.

He also composed several popular tunes during his lifetime, including "I Never Knew" and the song Jolson made famous ''Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye.'' The song was featured in the landmark talking picture The Jazz Singer."

Ted Fio Rito died in 1971 after suffering a heart attack.

Here is a clip from "The Jazz Singer" with Al Jolson singing "Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye."


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