Freddie Slack
Biography
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, USA
Composer ("Cow Cow Boogie", "Strange Cargo", "Cuban Sugar Mill", "Riffette"), pianist and band leader, trained at the American Conservatory in Chicago. Originally trained as a drummer, Slack was active in the music business from 1927 and played piano for various bands, before and after moving to the West Coast. He was busy arranging for Ben Pollack and Jimmy Dorsey in the mid- to late 1930's, before making his mark as piano soloist in the short lived (1939-41) orchestra co-led by trombonist Will Bradley and drummer Ray McKinley. Read more... and regular swing to boogie-woogie and was featured on its biggest hit, "Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar".
In 1941, Slack founded his own orchestra, which attracted a strong following, especially when showcasing vocalist Ella Mae Morse. The band's biggest hit was "Cow Cow Boogie" and he had another with "Mr. Five by Five". A recording contract with the newly-created Capitol label (1942-47) ensured national exposure, as did regular appearances in films like Reveille with Beverly (1943), Follow the Boys (1944) and Seven Days Ashore (1944). After relinquishing his baton as orchestra leader, Slack remained based in California during the 1950's and 60's, albeit as part of a piano duo or trio, appearing in clubs and cocktail lounges. For the last few years of his life, he suffered from diabetes and was found dead in his Hollywood apartment in August 1965, from 'undetermined causes'.
In 1941, Slack founded his own orchestra, which attracted a strong following, especially when showcasing vocalist Ella Mae Morse. The band's biggest hit was "Cow Cow Boogie" and he had another with "Mr. Five by Five". A recording contract with the newly-created Capitol label (1942-47) ensured national exposure, as did regular appearances in films like Reveille with Beverly (1943), Follow the Boys (1944) and Seven Days Ashore (1944). After relinquishing his baton as orchestra leader, Slack remained based in California during the 1950's and 60's, albeit as part of a piano duo or trio, appearing in clubs and cocktail lounges. For the last few years of his life, he suffered from diabetes and was found dead in his Hollywood apartment in August 1965, from 'undetermined causes'.
Actor

Character:
Pianist
Keep 'Em Flying 1941
5

Character:
Himself, Orchestra Leader
In the Groove 1941
1

Character:
Freddie Slack - Leader of His Orchestra
The Sky's the Limit 1943
6

Character:
Orchestra Leader
Reveille with Beverly 1943
10

Character:
Jive Club Pianist
Phantom Lady 1944
1

Character:
Freddie Slack
Follow the Boys 1944
30

Character:
Himself - Orchestra Leader
Seven Days Ashore 1944
15

Character:
Freddie Slack-Bandleader
Babes on Swing Street 1944
10

Character:
Freddie Slack
Hat Check Honey 1944
9

Character:
Himself - Orchestra Leader
Connee Boswell and Ada Leonard 1952
5

Character:
Himself
Startime 1959
0