Herbie Marks was an Australian accordion player, bandleader, arranger, composer, showman, and magician. Born in Rooty Hill, Sydney, in 1923, he came from a show business family and began performing at an early age. By just six years old, he was playing mandolin in productions for Harry Clay's Vaudeville in Sydney. At the age of nine, Marks taught himself to play the accordion before studying with the American accordionist Arbie Hartmann. His exceptional talent developed rapidly, and by the age of fourteen he was already teaching the instrument himself. After studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he built a reputation for his remarkable technique through radio appearances, touring engagements on the Australian Tivoli circuit, and performances as leader of his own groups in Sydney nightclubs.
In 1951, Marks travelled to Europe, where he enjoyed considerable success in England and across the continent. He gave numerous recitals for the BBC and appeared on French television. He returned to Europe again in 1961. Beyond his achievements as an accordion virtuoso, Marks was also an accomplished entertainer, combining music, showmanship, and magic in his performances. He worked as a music arranger and composed scores for films including Toehold in History (1965), My Brother Jack (1965), and The Australians: The Second Assault (1966), as well as music for commercial productions.
Marks first recorded in the early 1950s for the Columbia label, later recording for Regal Zonophone and Philips. His recordings were released not only in Australia but also in France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the early 1960s he signed with Festival Records, remaining with the label until his recording career concluded in the mid-1970s. He also led The Herbie Marks Trio, featuring Innocent Marknick on trumpet and bass and Dick Carr on guitar. Together they recorded a number of albums and became a popular performing ensemble. Herbie Marks died on 5 December 1980, leaving behind a significant legacy as one of Australia's most accomplished and versatile accordionists.
''St. Louis Blues / Stardust'' 1951 Columbia
''Herbie Marks Medley No. 2 / Herbie Marks Medley No. 2'' 1952 Columbia
''Herbie Marks Old Time Medley No. 1 / Herbie Marks Old Time Medley No. 1'' 1952 Columbia
''Between Two Trees / You Rule My Heart'' [with Lily Conners] 1952 Regal Zonophone
''Dearly Beloved / You Made Me Love You'' 1955 Philips
''The Fall Of The Roman Empire / Fur Elise'' 1964 Leedon
''Mame / Oliver'' 1969 Festival
''Herbie's Boogie / Last Tango In Paris'' 1973 Festival
''Here Come D' Boogie Man / Slow-Movin' Man'' 1975 Festival
EPs
'Medley Time With Herbie Marks No. 3' 1955 Philips
ALBUMS
'Music For Romance' 1954 Philips
'Love From Rome' 1966 Festival
'Music For You Simcha' 1966 Festival
'Plays Dominique And Other Continental Favourite' 1967 Festival Records
'The Bells Of St.Marys' [the Herbie Marks Trio]1967 Festival
'Broadway Hits' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1968 Festival
'The Magic Accordion Of Herbie Marks' 1968 Music For Pleasure
'An Enchanted Evening With Herbie Marks' 1969 Festival
'Herbie Goes Hawaiian' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1969 Festival
'Theme From The Last Tango In Paris' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1973 Calendar Records
'Man Of La Mancha & Other Great Show Tunes' 1973 Calendar Records
'Fly Me To The Moon' 1974 Calendar Records
'Fiddler On The Roof' 1974 Calendar Records
'Here Come D'boogie Man' 1975 Festival Records
'The Spirit O' Scotland' 1976 Festival
No comments:
Post a Comment