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Greetings to all,
I trust this post will not be unethical. I recently had a discussion with several musicians regarding the average salaries that established bands of the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's earned. Of course both Gene and Buddy's name came up, however no one knew for sure just how financially successful these giants were.
I myself don't recall any figures directly linked to Gene, but I do recall reading somewhere that Buddy unfortunately ended up nearly broke due to improper money management. I also recall reading where Buddy was at one time considered the highest paid drummer while with Harry James.
Does anyone know what Gene or Buddy would have earned during their careers ?. Understandably the depression and war years would certainly be a factor as well as manageing a big band on the road. I'm sure that whatever the actual dollar amounts were, both Gene & Buddy would have kept swinging no matter what because of their love of drumming.
Regards,
Metropole
I trust this post will not be unethical. I recently had a discussion with several musicians regarding the average salaries that established bands of the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's and 60's earned. Of course both Gene and Buddy's name came up, however no one knew for sure just how financially successful these giants were.
I myself don't recall any figures directly linked to Gene, but I do recall reading somewhere that Buddy unfortunately ended up nearly broke due to improper money management. I also recall reading where Buddy was at one time considered the highest paid drummer while with Harry James.
Does anyone know what Gene or Buddy would have earned during their careers ?. Understandably the depression and war years would certainly be a factor as well as manageing a big band on the road. I'm sure that whatever the actual dollar amounts were, both Gene & Buddy would have kept swinging no matter what because of their love of drumming.
Regards,
Metropole
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by jerry brennan on -
Hi I thought i would send a quick reply, Gene made an appearance at the Paramount with his own band on May 15th 1940, and broke all opening records with 12,800 people attending before noon and grossed $59,000 the first week,$47,000 the second and held over for a third and fourth week; pretty substantial.
I am sure you will be aware of his salary while he was with BG and was earning the eqivalent of £1000 a week and the bands peak.
I have some of GK'S contracts while he was leading his quartet in the 50's and the dough is still substantial then.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Jerry Brennan
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