Felix In Hollywood

A Blog for the Smart Set

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Now Here's Something I'm Sorry I Missed....



After playing himself in the 1975 TV movie "Queen Of The Stardust Ballroom", Big Band leader Orrin Tucker leased a skating rink that same year on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood and turned it into the Stardust Ballroom.  Tucker formed his first orchestra in 1933.

After dwindling crowds for his band and ballroom dancing Tucker opened the venue booking up for events like the one above as well as shows for the raging punk scene in LA of the late 70's.  Ultimately, the venue would include hosting women's boxing matches. 

In 1982, he closed the ballroom and moved to Palm Springs.  Under new stewardship the venue continued it's descent.



And today it's the Hollywood Home Despot Depot.


Orrin Tucker passed away on April 9th at the age of 100.

The man with the baton, Orrin Tucker

3 comments:

Mar gar et said...

All the fun left in 1989, sigh. That line-up was gold. There must be someone out there who attended, and can provide deets. Home Depot might be still shaking...

mrpeenee said...

I would have loved to have seen that show. Ditto, Orrin's baton.

normadesmond said...

probably just a few years before my LA stint.