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Skinnay Ennis

Skinnay Ennis was an American bandleader and singer, born as Augustus Ennis on June 13, 1909, in Salisbury, North Carolina. He grew up in the Bronx, New York City, and began his career as a musician in the 1920s, playing drums in various bands.

Ennis rose to fame as the leader of his own big band, which he formed in 1937. The band became popular for their swing music and vocal harmonies, and they performed on radio programs such as "Your Hit Parade" and "The Bob Hope Show." Ennis was known for his smooth baritone voice and his ability to scat sing, which was a popular technique in jazz at the time.

Some of Ennis's biggest hits with his band included "Got a Date With an Angel," "Deep Purple," and "Dardenella." He also appeared in several films, including "Syncopation" and "Louisiana Purchase."

During World War II, Ennis served in the U.S. Army, and his band continued to perform in his absence. When he returned from the war, he briefly led a smaller ensemble before disbanding his group in 1950.

Ennis continued to work in the music industry, serving as a musical director for television shows and performing as a solo artist. He also worked as a record producer, producing albums for artists such as Mel Tormé and Peggy Lee.

Skinnay Ennis died on July 3, 1963, in Burbank, California, at the age of 54. He is remembered as a talented musician and bandleader who helped popularize swing music during the Big Band era.


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