ABSTRACT
American big band leader and songwriter, performer on clarinet, alto saxophone, and violin; born in Chicago. After military service in World War I, he played with bands in Chicago and formed his own orchestra in 1924; one of the players for a time was Benny Goodman. He achieved success in a long run at the Bismarck Hotel in Chicago, and toured the Midwest. His band, known as Kassels in the Air, was a sweet dance ensemble. They recorded extensively, first for Victor in 1929 (“I Wish I Knew” #21885), then for Columbia from 1932 and Bluebird from 1934. His composition and theme song, “Hell’s Bells,” was given an enterprising jazz-like recording (Columbia 2682; 1932). Kassel was active into the 1960s, mostly in West Coast appearances. He died in Van Nuys, California.
