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George Olsen Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: George Edward Olsen Sr.: A Musical and Professional Biography

Cheat Sheet:
George Edward Olsen Sr.: A Musical and Professional Biography Study Guide

Early Life and Musical Foundation

What was George Edward Olsen Sr.'s primary musical instrument?

Answer: Drums

Explanation: George Edward Olsen Sr.'s primary musical instrument was the drums.

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What was the primary genre associated with George Olsen's musical output?

Answer: Swing music and big band

Explanation: George Olsen's music was primarily associated with the swing music and big band genres.

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Orchestral and Radio Engagements

George Olsen's orchestra made its debut hotel engagement at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's orchestra held its debut hotel engagement at the Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Oregon, not the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

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George Olsen's orchestra performed in the Broadway production of *The Great White Way* in the 1920s.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's orchestra performed in notable Broadway productions such as *Kid Boots* (1923), *Ziegfeld Follies of 1924*, *Ziegfeld Follies of 1925*, and *Good News* (1927), but not *The Great White Way*.

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George Olsen led the orchestra for *The Eddie Cantor Show* on radio.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen served as the orchestra leader for *The Jack Benny Program*, not *The Eddie Cantor Show*.

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The 1926 photograph mentioned shows George Olsen being interviewed at NBC's radio station in Chicago.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1926 photograph shows George Olsen being interviewed at WJZ, which was RCA's radio station in New York City, not NBC's station in Chicago.

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George Olsen was interviewed in 1926 at WNEW, a radio station in Philadelphia.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen was interviewed in 1926 at WJZ, identified as RCA's radio station in New York City, not WNEW in Philadelphia.

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George Olsen served as the music director for *The Jack Benny Program*.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen served as the orchestra leader for *The Jack Benny Program*, not its music director.

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George Olsen's orchestra performed in the *Ziegfeld Follies of 1924*, and he met his wife Ethel Shutta during this engagement.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Olsen's orchestra performed in the *Ziegfeld Follies of 1924*, and it was during this time that he met his future wife, Ethel Shutta.

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Which of the following venues hosted George Olsen's orchestra's debut hotel engagement?

Answer: The Multnomah Hotel, Portland

Explanation: George Olsen's orchestra held its debut hotel engagement at the Multnomah Hotel in Portland, Oregon.

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George Olsen's orchestra performed in which notable Broadway production in 1927?

Answer: Good News

Explanation: George Olsen's orchestra performed in the Broadway production of *Good News* in 1927.

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George Olsen served as the orchestra leader for which popular radio program?

Answer: The Jack Benny Program

Explanation: George Olsen was the orchestra leader for the widely recognized radio program, *The Jack Benny Program*.

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In 1926, George Olsen was interviewed at WJZ, which was identified as:

Answer: RCA's radio station in New York City

Explanation: The interview in 1926 took place at WJZ, which was identified as RCA's radio station in New York City.

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George Olsen's orchestra performed in the *Ziegfeld Follies of 1925*. What other *Ziegfeld Follies* production did they feature in during the 1920s?

Answer: Ziegfeld Follies of 1924

Explanation: In addition to the *Ziegfeld Follies of 1925*, George Olsen's orchestra also performed in the *Ziegfeld Follies of 1924*.

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George Olsen participated in the film adaptation of which Eddie Cantor Broadway production?

Answer: Whoopee!

Explanation: George Olsen and his orchestra participated in the 1930 film adaptation of Eddie Cantor's Broadway production, *Whoopee!*.

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Recording Career and Discography

George Olsen recorded exclusively with Victor Records throughout his entire recording career.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen recorded with several labels, including Victor, Columbia, Decca, and Varsity, not exclusively with Victor Records.

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George Olsen's association with Victor Records lasted for over a decade, from 1924 to 1933.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's tenure with Victor Records lasted approximately nine years, from 1924 to 1933, not over a decade.

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George Olsen transitioned to Columbia Records in 1934 and recorded with them for only a few months.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen transitioned to Columbia Records in 1933 and recorded with them until January 1934, a period of approximately a few months.

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George Olsen made his final recording sessions for the Decca label in 1940.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's final recording sessions were made for the Varsity label in 1940, not Decca.

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George Olsen recorded the song "Everybody Loves My Baby" in 1924.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's recording of "Everybody Loves My Baby" was released in 1925, not 1924.

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George Olsen's recording of "Lullaby of the Leaves" was released in 1933.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's recording of "Lullaby of the Leaves" was released in 1932, not 1933.

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George Olsen's association with Victor Records, where he was highly popular, lasted from 1924 until 1933.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Olsen's association with Victor Records, a period of significant popularity, spanned from 1924 to 1933.

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George Olsen recorded "My Best Girl" in 1925.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's recording of "My Best Girl" was released in 1924, not 1925.

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George Olsen's recording of "You'll Never Get To Heaven With Those Eyes" was released in 1924.

Answer: True

Explanation: George Olsen's recording of "You'll Never Get To Heaven With Those Eyes" was indeed released in 1924.

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Which record label did George Olsen record with for the longest continuous period (1924-1933)?

Answer: Victor

Explanation: George Olsen's longest continuous recording association was with Victor Records, spanning from 1924 to 1933.

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How long was George Olsen associated with Victor Records?

Answer: Approximately 9 years

Explanation: George Olsen's association with Victor Records lasted for approximately nine years, from 1924 to 1933.

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George Olsen transitioned from Victor Records to Columbia Records in which year?

Answer: 1933

Explanation: George Olsen transitioned to Columbia Records in 1933.

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Which of the following songs was recorded by George Olsen in 1924?

Answer: Sax-o-phun

Explanation: George Olsen recorded "Sax-o-phun" in 1924.

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In what year did George Olsen record "Everybody Loves My Baby"?

Answer: 1925

Explanation: George Olsen's recording of "Everybody Loves My Baby" was released in 1925.

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Which of the following was NOT a record label George Olsen recorded with?

Answer: Capitol

Explanation: George Olsen recorded with Victor, Columbia, Decca, and Varsity, but not Capitol.

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Which of the following songs was recorded by George Olsen in 1932?

Answer: Lullaby of the Leaves

Explanation: George Olsen recorded "Lullaby of the Leaves" in 1932.

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Personal Life and Relationships

George Olsen married his wife, Ethel Shutta, while performing together on the radio program *The Jack Benny Program*.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen met Ethel Shutta, his first wife, during his involvement with the *Ziegfeld Follies*, not while performing together on *The Jack Benny Program*.

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George Olsen and Ethel Shutta had three children together.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen and Ethel Shutta had two children together, named George Jr. and Charles.

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George Olsen married his second wife, Ethel Shutta, after his divorce from Claralee Pilcer.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's first wife was Ethel Shutta; his second wife was Claralee Pilcer. He married Claralee Pilcer after his divorce from Ethel Shutta.

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How did George Olsen meet his first wife, Ethel Shutta?

Answer: While he was involved with the *Ziegfeld Follies*

Explanation: George Olsen met Ethel Shutta, who became his first wife, during his involvement with the *Ziegfeld Follies*.

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Who was George Olsen's second wife?

Answer: Claralee Pilcer

Explanation: George Olsen's second wife was Claralee Pilcer.

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George Olsen and Ethel Shutta had two children. What were their names?

Answer: George Jr. and Charles

Explanation: George Olsen and Ethel Shutta were parents to two children, named George Jr. and Charles.

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Later Career and Business Ventures

After his divorce, George Olsen transitioned to a career as a film producer.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following his divorce from Ethel Shutta, George Olsen transitioned to operating a restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey, rather than pursuing a career as a film producer.

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George Olsen took over leadership of Orville Knapp's band in 1936 following Knapp's retirement.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen assumed leadership of Orville Knapp's band in 1936 after Knapp's death, not following his retirement.

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The band led by George Olsen after Orville Knapp's death was disbanded in 1938 due to a lack of public interest.

Answer: False

Explanation: The band disbanded in 1938 due to morale issues and musicians departing, not a lack of public interest.

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In his later years, George Olsen operated a successful jazz club in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: In his later years, George Olsen operated a restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey, not a jazz club in New York City.

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A 1968 review indicated that George Olsen personally greeted guests at his restaurant during lunch service only.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 1968 review indicated that George Olsen personally greeted guests at his restaurant during both lunch and dinner services.

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The music played at George Olsen's restaurant consisted of contemporary popular hits from the late 1960s.

Answer: False

Explanation: The music played at George Olsen's restaurant featured his own original recordings from the 1920s, not contemporary popular hits from the late 1960s.

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What was George Olsen's primary occupation after his divorce from Ethel Shutta?

Answer: Restaurant operator

Explanation: After his divorce from Ethel Shutta, George Olsen transitioned to operating a restaurant in Paramus, New Jersey.

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What happened to Orville Knapp's band in 1936?

Answer: George Olsen took over its leadership after Knapp's death.

Explanation: In 1936, George Olsen assumed leadership of Orville Knapp's band following Knapp's death.

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What was the primary reason cited for the disbandment of the band George Olsen led after Orville Knapp's death?

Answer: Morale issues and musicians departing

Explanation: The band disbanded in 1938 due to significant morale issues and the subsequent departure of many musicians.

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What business did George Olsen operate in Paramus, New Jersey, in his later years?

Answer: A restaurant named "George Olsen's"

Explanation: In his later years, George Olsen operated a restaurant named "George Olsen's" in Paramus, New Jersey.

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According to a 1968 review, how was George Olsen personally involved in his Paramus restaurant?

Answer: He personally greeted guests during both lunch and dinner.

Explanation: A 1968 review indicated that George Olsen personally greeted guests at his restaurant during both lunch and dinner services.

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What type of music was played at George Olsen's restaurant?

Answer: His own original recordings from the 1920s

Explanation: The music played at George Olsen's restaurant consisted of his own original recordings from the 1920s, played softly.

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Notable Associates and Band Members

Fred MacMurray, later a famous movie star, was a drummer in George Olsen's band in 1930.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 1930, Fred MacMurray was a singer-saxophonist in George Olsen's band, not a drummer.

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Fran Frey, a member of Olsen's band, later became a successful solo recording artist.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fran Frey, a long-time alto saxist and singer for George Olsen, later pursued a career as a music director in radio, not as a solo recording artist.

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Fran Frey was known for his high-pitched tenor voice as a singer in George Olsen's band.

Answer: False

Explanation: Fran Frey was noted for his distinctive, reedy bass-baritone voice as a singer in George Olsen's band.

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What was Fred MacMurray's role in George Olsen's band in 1930?

Answer: Singer-saxophonist

Explanation: In 1930, Fred MacMurray served as a singer-saxophonist in George Olsen's band.

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Which song did Fred MacMurray record a vocal performance on while with George Olsen's band?

Answer: I'm in the Market for You

Explanation: Fred MacMurray recorded a vocal performance on the song "I'm in the Market for You" during his time with George Olsen's band.

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What was distinctive about Fran Frey's voice as a singer?

Answer: Distinctive, reedy bass-baritone

Explanation: Fran Frey was noted for his distinctive, reedy bass-baritone voice as a singer in George Olsen's band.

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General Biographical Information

George Edward Olsen Sr. was primarily known as a bandleader and drummer, not a jazz trumpeter.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Edward Olsen Sr. was primarily known as a bandleader and musician, with drums being his principal instrument. He was not primarily known as a jazz trumpeter or composer.

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George Olsen's birth name was simply George Olsen.

Answer: False

Explanation: George Olsen's birth name was George Edward Olsen Sr.

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In which city was George Olsen born?

Answer: Portland, Oregon

Explanation: George Olsen was born in Portland, Oregon.

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Which of the following databases is listed as a music-specific reference for George Olsen?

Answer: MusicBrainz

Explanation: MusicBrainz is listed as one of the music-specific databases referenced for George Olsen.

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What was George Olsen's birth name?

Answer: George Edward Olsen Sr.

Explanation: George Olsen's birth name was George Edward Olsen Sr.

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