Introduction
Cornell Smelser, or just Cornell, (August 7, 1902—1993) was a Hungarian-born American jazz accordionist and composer. He also performed as Charles Cornell and Joe Cornell.
Early life and education
Cornell Smelser was born in Budapest, Hungary, on August 7, 1902. Growing up, he played the piano and received a classical music education at the Conservatory of Music in Budapest, Hungary. After completing his education at age 16, he began playing in a local orchestra, and by age 18, he already directed an orchestra of 26 men.
Career
In 1920, Cornell emigrated to the United States, settling in New York City, where he began his career playing in vaudeville and Broadway productions. He also played in musical comedies, hotels, and theater orchestras. In 1924, he got to play in Florida for John D. Rockefeller, Sr..
In 1927, he founded his own orchestra to play at Beaux Arts Cafe in New York. He got a mention in the March 1927 issue of "Orchestra World" magazine. Around that time, he decided to switch to accordion and began working with jazz musicians in New York. He also did many transcriptions for the World Broadcasting System, Columbia Concert Corporation, Warner Brothers, etc. with such musicians as Frank Black, Eugene Ormandy, Louis Katzman, and Gus Haenschen, among others.
Cornell became one of the most sought-after jazz accordionists in New York. He did radio work and was involved in several recordings with such musicians as Tony Parenti (in 1929), Jack Teagarden, Irving Mills' Hotsy Totsy Gang (track "High and dry" with members: Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Buster Moten, Joe Venuti, Eddie Lang, Eddie Lang, Arthur Schutt, Mannie Klein), Ben Selvin, The Boswell Sisters (Martha Boswell, Connie Boswell, and Helvetia Boswell) and Freddie Rich Orchestra ("When You Were the Blossom of Buttercup Lane").
In 1930, Cornell wrote several successful titles including "Laughing at Life", "Accordion Joe" (recorded for Okeh Records with Adrian Rollini, Jack Teagarden, and Jimmy Dorsey), "Collegiate Love", and "I Hate Myself for Falling in Love With You".
On April 20th, 1931, he played accordion on George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" on the radio. He was accompanied by the Arden-Ohman Orchestra (Victor Arden and Phil Ohman). He was the only accordionist given special permission by Gershwin himself to play this song on the air. At the time, besides Gershwin, only Paul Whiteman and Jesse Crawford had the permission to broadcast that song.
In 1931, Cornell accompanied Ben Selvin's The Knickerbockers on "Sing A Little Jingle" (Regal records – G21145). He also played accordion on "Double Check Stomp" (Brunswick 4783 and 6846) for the Duke Ellington Orchestra (1930).
He retired from playing accordion in 1931 due to health reasons. In his later years, he focused his time on composition.
Death
Cornell died in 1993 in Santa Monica, California, at age 90.