Sammy Kaye

Sammy Kaye (born Samuel Zarnocay, Jr. March 13, 1910 in Lakewood, Ohio -- June 2, 1987 in Ridgewood, New Jersey) was a famous bandleader and songwriter. He attended Ohio University, in Athens, OH. Kaye could play saxophone and clarinet, bu

Sammy Kaye (born Samuel Zarnocay, Jr. March 13, 1910 in Lakewood, Ohio -- June 2, 1987 in Ridgewood, New Jersey) was a famous bandleader and songwriter. He attended Ohio University, in Athens, OH. Kaye could play saxophone and clarinet, but he never featured himself as a soloist on either one.

He was known for an audience participation gimmick called "So You Want To Lead A Band?" Audience members would be called onto stage in an attempt to conduct the orchestra, with the possibility of winning batons. Kaye was also known for his use of "singing of song titles," which was copied by Kay Kyser and Blue Barron.