ENCINO'S ALVINO REY AND HIS ORCHESTRA

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY        2013

 

      Typical of big band leaders of the 1930s and 40s, Alvino Rey began his career by playing in other bands. He worked with Freddy Martin and Russ Morgan, and for seven years (1932-1939) played in the Horace Heidt's Musical Knights. (Horace Heidt lived and worked from Sherman Oaks.)
      He married Luise King (one of the King Sisters.)

Alvino Rey - Alvin McBurney    1908 - 2004

 Autographed photograph - Loaned to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Ralph F. Muzzillo Jr. 2013 -   (click on images to enlarge them.)

"To Ralph and Eve - two real swell people. I hope we can continue working together many years. With Best Wishes, Alvino Rey."

      Alvino Rey was fascinated by electronics, developing musical instruments and working with amateur radio. He helped develop the first electronic guitar for the Gibson Corporation.  In 1939 Alvino Rey became the musical director for radio KHJ in Los Angeles. That same year he created the Alvino Rey orchestra.Rey lived at 5001 Woodley Avenue in Encino.

      During World War II Rey worked for the Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank. In 1944, he joined the US Navy. Rey's 1940, pre-war song "My Buddy" was one of the most important sons during the war.

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Larceny With Music 1943  Universal Pictures film -  Ralph Muzzillo collection

Jeff Pirtle of NBS - Universal reminds The Museum Community that Leo Carrillo, a direct descendent of Jose' Antonio Carrillo was also in this movies. Jose' played a major role in the Treaty of Cahuenga signed in the San Fernando Valley.

Alvino Rey and his orchestra, play themselves in the Universal film, Larceny With Music 1943.
Photo courtesy of Ralph F. Muzzillo Jr. 2013. Ralph Muzzillo Sr. was a trumpeter in this orchestra. 

THE FAMOUS KING SISTERS - BIG BAND ERA STARS

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY             0213

Recently, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley began to receive elements of the Ralph F. Muzzillo Sr., collection of Big Band Era artifacts and memorabilia. Mr. Muzzillo was a trumpeter for some of the most important bands of the 1930s and 40s. He and his family lived in Tarzana. The following images of the King Sisters, who lived and worked out of the Valley, are an example of the photographs in Mr. Muzzillo's collection.

The King Sisters - upper right to left Donna, Yvonne, Louise and Alyce. Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013
"To Ralph. Hey you’re wonderful – Love and kisses The King Gals."
The King Sisters were made famous from their featured work with San Fernando Valley big-band era band leader Horace Height. 

 Lousie King - 1913 to 1997 -  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013   (Click on images to enlarge them.)
"To Ralph and Eve – The best trumpet player in the business. The prettiest mom and most adorable baby – My very best wishes always – Louise.”
 

 Alyce King- 1915 to 1996 -  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013

"To Ralph and Eve – My favorite audience when I sing Porgy. Lots of love to you and your little ‘superman.' ”  Alyce King”. 
Alice King lived in the San Fernando Valley and was buried in Forest Lawn cemetery in the Hollywood Hills overlooking Burbank in 1991. 

Yvonne King - 1920 to 2009  -  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013
“Dear ‘Moose’ We’re sure gonna miss you! Good luck and all that sort of thing.” 
 

 Donna King - 1918 to 2007 -   Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013
"To Ralph and Eve, Gosh you’re both swell – Love and Kisses Donna

 

 

  Refer to photograph number 6310

These two outtake photographs featuring the King Sisters are from two Universal Pictures' films in 1943. We are not at present sure of which movies these belong. "Larceny With Music" and / or "Follow the Band"  Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Ralph Muzzillo Jr. Beaumont, Texas 2013

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Refer to Photograph number 6309

HORACE HEIDT AND THE KING SISTERS 1937

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY         2012

The motion picture and television industries oftentimes overshadow the enormous contributions made to other aspects of American and world culture made in the San Fernando Valley. Horace Heidt, one of the most popular big band leaders of his era, lived in what is now Sherman Oaks and introduced some of the nation's most important artists. Among these were the King Sisters, who themselves were residents of the Valley.

Are you interested in The Museum's efforts to collect and preserve the work and history of San Fernando Valley artists?  Contact Lee Davis, the Chairman of the Valley Notables Committee today.

Lee Davis

Chairman of Valley Notables Committee

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley
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

YOU MAY LIVE IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY BECAUSE OF THE KING SISTERS.

DISCOVERING OUR VALLEY        2011

In the middle of World War II, when thousands of draftees and volunteers were stationed, or passed through, California, the King Sisters recorded their version of the popular song "The San Fernando Valley."  The four women's a capella version of the song was a big hit, and helped to create the romantic image of the Valley as the place in which to settle down when the GIs came home. 

The King Sisters - vintage postcard - gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley from Gary Fredburg 2011 - (click on image to enlarge)