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Blue Barron

Blue Barron (November 19, 1913 – July 16, 2005), born Harry Freidman, was an American orchestra leader in the 1940s and early 1950s during the "Big Band" era. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he studied at Ohio State University before going into show business. He adopted the stage name Blue Barron and by 1940 had created his own orchestra. His band's more subdued tone was referred to as "Sweet" music to distinguish it from the "Swing" bands of the era. At first, Barron's orchestra played in the New York City area but later toured the U.S. and performed at popular venues in Los Angeles where they also appeared in several motion pictures and recorded a number of LPs. During World War II, Barron served with the United States Army and at war's end resumed his musical career. He was able to work in the industry for another ten years until the Big Band era gave way to new musical forms. For his contribution to the recording industry, he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1724 Vine Street. Barron hit #1 in 1949 with "Cruising Down The River". Blue Barron died in 2005 in Baltimore, Maryland and is interred there in the Baltimore Hebrew Cemetery.