Harry Horlick

Aliases: Decca Salon Orchestra conducted by Harry Horlick
Harold Gray and His Orchestra
Harry Horlick and His Orchestra
Real name: Gila Gorlik
Born: July 20, 1896
Died: July 1970
Country: United States
Comments: Violinist and bandleader born in Ukraine, his family emigrated to the United States at the beginning of World War I. Horlick, himself, was drafted into the Russian army and taken prisoner during the war. With the help of his family and the American consul, Horlick was freed and allowed into the United States.
When he came to the United States, he performed as a member of an all Russian-born band, playing in various cafes. In the early-1920s, they were sponsored by the A&P grocery store chain to perform on a radio broadcast and became known as the A&P Gypsies, making regular radio broadcasts. He became the leader of the A&P Gypsies. In 1936, after the group's run on radio, he recorded for Decca.