Jesse Stafford was an American actor who is best known for Close Harmony. He also had a notable career as a trombonist and orchestra leader.
Personal and Family Life
Jesse Lyle Stafford was born on June 7, 1892, in Charles City, Iowa. He married Dorothy A. Knight on June 6, 1920, and they had one child together. The couple remained together until his death in 1947.
Music Career
Stafford was a featured soloist in the Herb Wiedoeft Orchestra during the 1920s. After Wiedoeft’s tragic death in 1928, he took over the band and recorded thirteen more songs for Brunswick Records. However, he left the music scene in the 1930s to work as a tire salesman in Oakland, California.
Death and Legacy
Jesse Stafford passed away on April 8, 1947, in Oakland, California. His contributions to both music and film have been remembered, particularly his role in the orchestra and his performances in the 1920s.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Close Harmony | 1929-04-12 | Himself (orchestra leader) |