"My Sunny Tennessee" Benson Orchestra of Chicago (1921) cellist Edgar A. Benson & pianist Roy Bargy

"My Sunny Tennessee" was written by Bert Kalmar and Harry and Herman Ruby. Recorded in Chicago, Illinois, on September 28, 1921. The Benson Orchestra of Chicago was founded in 1920 by cellist Edgar A. Benson, but he was not the ensemble's music director. He was too busy running a number of bands in the Chicago area to give focused attention to any one ensemble. He hired many musicians who later rose to fame or at least made wonderful recordings--they include pianist Don Bestor, clarinet player Volly De Faut, and saxophonist Frank Trumbauer. In the early 1920s, the Benson musicians were led by pianist Roy Bargy. By 1925, Don Bestor was musical director. Alto and soprano sax: Matthew Amaturo. Tenor sax: Thomas Thatcher. Bass sax: William Foeste. Clarinet: Matthew Amaturo. Trombone: Guy Carey. Trumpet: Rick Adkins. Violin: Joe Baum. Piano and leader: Roy Bargy.