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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCAVALLARO, Carmen(b 6 May '13 NYC; d 12 Oct. '89 Columbus OH) Piano, bandleader. Classical training in teens; took dance band jobs, gaining featured role as flashy stylist (e.g. with Al Kavelin, '33--7). Formed own combo for St Louis hotel gig '39, octet in Detroit '40, then a flood of jobs at swanky hotels. Briefly led swing band '43 but soon returned to cocktail set. No. 3 hit '45 with 'Chopin's Polonaise'; no. 1 albums (of 78s) in '46--8. Appeared in films Hollywood Canteen '44, Out Of This World, Diamond Horseshoe '45 etc. Played soundtrack piano for Tyrone Power in '56 biopic The Eddy Duchin Story. Played semi-pop concerts till '60s. |