ERNANI BERNARDI BIG BAND MUSICIAN AND L..A. CITY COUNCILMAN

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY               2013

Ernani Bernardi was a Los Angeles City Councilman from the seventh district. He lived from 1911 to 2006, and died in Van Nuys, California. Ernie was political reformer and protector of the tax paying public. But, before he was a politician, Bernandi first interacted with the public as a highly successful saxophone player with big bands, such as the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the early Jimmy Dorsey Casa Loma Orchestra.

Condolence letter from Ernani Berndari to the son of his fellow band member Ralph Muzzillo Sr. Bernardi includes his Jimmy Dorsey band nickname "Noni" in his signature. This letter and a Los Angeles City Council tribute certificate honoring the life of Ralph Muzzillo Sr. on January 3, 1986 are gifts to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. 2013.

Ernani (Noni) Berndardi

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The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
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Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

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BING CROSBY OVERPAID?

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY            2013

In the Big Band Era memorabilia of trumpet player Ralph Muzzillo Sr., was this priceless "payroll" document for the Paul Whiteman Orchestra  for January 20th. 1928. Each employee signed for his check (or, perhaps cash.) Among the signatures for their work at the Mosque Theatre in Newark, New Jersey were some of the greatest musical entertainers of the time: Bix Biederbecke trumpet, Bing Crosy vocalist, Jimmy Dorsey saxophone, and the great classical composer Ferde Grofe arranger. Ralph Muzzillo Sr. lived in Encino and spent his last years in Tarzana.

Jan. 20 to 28, 1928  Payroll for the Paul Whitman Orchestra.

Courtesy of Ralph Muzzillo Jr. 2013

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley Library - Entertainment Industry History

Note: Make sure that you double check on this image to enlarge it. Each name on this payroll deserves to be researched, since they may well be the founding fathers of American big band era jazz.

Save America's Big Band Era History

Donate tax-deductible memorabilia to your Museum today.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

Acquisitions Committee
21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

THE MUSEUM’S TELEPHONE
1 (818) 347-9665

THE MUSEUM'S EMAILS
gerald.fecht@TheMuseumSFV.org
info@TheMuseumSFV.org

 

THE MUSEUM’S BLOG

www.museumsanfernandovalley.blogspot.com/

 

THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE

www.TheMuseumSFV.org

JIMMY DORSEY VALLEY CONNECTION

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY          2014

Jimmy Dorsey led one of America's great stage orchestra in the era of the Big Bands. The Jimmy Dorsey band had fans throughout the world and made the careers of hundreds of singers and musicians. The following photographs are courtesy of Ralph Muzzillo Jr. and are from his father's personal collection. Ralph Muzzillo Sr. was one of the great trumpet players of his time. He lived much of his life in Encino and died in Tarzana.

Jimmy Dorsey - American Big Band Leader

"To Lil Eve, sincerely Jimmy Dorsey and my boys." Nov. 1938

Ralph Muzzillo   1910 - 1985   - Trumpet Virtuoso

 Ray McKinley featured drummer with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra

Collection of Ralph Muzzillo Sr. - Courtesy of Ralph Muzzillo Jr. 2013

"To Ralph (commonly called 'Muzulow - Muggilaw' who combines the qualities of simplicity, and good sense.  I could was lyrical, Joe, but that's about the most one can say for any man. For a long time, I hope Ray"  "P.S. To my friend, the No. 1 first trumpet player in the band. R.K."

 

Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra - Wamid's Million Dollar Pier 1938

 Jimmy Dorsey greets his parents.