Profile of Jack Fina on Famous Like Me

Jack Fina (August 13, 1913, Passaic, NJ - May 14, 1970, Sherman Oaks, CA) was a bandleader, songwriter, and pianist.

Known as "The Ten Most Talented Fingers On Radio," Fina was educated at the New York College of Music and was a student of August Fraemcke and Elsa Nicilini. He started out playing piano in Clyde McCoy's band sometime in the 1930s, but it wasn't until he joined Freddie Martin’s band in 1936 that he gained real fame, when he was featured on Martin’s famous recording of "Tonight We Love".

After leaving Martin in 1946, Fina formed his own 16-piece band and his first appearance was at the Claremont Hotel. The vocals were handled by Harry Prime and Gil Lewis. With good air time and good recordings, Fina became a national figure. Because of this, Fina appeared at some of the top venues in the country, including the Waldorf-Astoria and the Aragon Ballroom. He also appeared in several films, including Melody Time (1948) and Disc Jockey (1951). A noted songwriter, his credits included Dream Sonata (his theme song), Chango and Piano Portraits.

In the 1950s, he reduced the size of his band and settled in San Francisco. He also operated a talent agency called the Concerto Music & Entertainment Agency with his manager Al King. In the early 1960s, Fina led a small band at the Beverly Hills Hotel, where he remained for a successful eight years. It was also around the same time that he appeared, as a single, on Dick Sinclair’s television show.

Fina died on May 14, 1970 from a heart attack during an engagement at the Beverly Hills Hotel. He is buried at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, California.

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