By William “Skip” Deegans
For many years, the Meyer Davis Orchestra was analogous to The Greenbrier. On the first anniversary of the reopening of the resort after World War II, the Meyer Davis Orchestra was conducted by Davis in person. The orchestra played daily during afternoon teas in the lobby. Following a convention of architects, the American Institute of Architects in 1950 described the tea as “with the music of Meyer Davis’ orchestra swelling the majestic room with such throbbing notes as “Waltz at Maxims” from Gigi.”
Born in Ellicott City, Maryland, of Russian Jewish ancestry, Meyer Davis moved with his family to Washington, DC where he began violin lessons. When he started high school in 1908, he was rejected by the school’s orchestra. Undeterred, Davis formed his own band, and it continued to perform in the Washington area while he went to law school. The band was quick to add the latest dance rhythms to its repertory and was soon in high demand. Known as the “society band,” the orchestra played at weddings, debutante balls, and at seven presidential inaugural balls from Calvin Coolidge to John F. Kennedy. At its height, Davis had 80 bands and more than 1,000 musicians. Among his musicians who became successful in their own right were Benny Goodman and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey.
The climax of the holiday season at The Greenbrier was the New Year’s dinner and dance accompanied by the Meyer Davis Orchestra in the Grand Ballroom. The Beckley Post-Herald described Davis’ trademark as “a quick, jump infectious rhythm you just gotta dance to.” In 1959, the orchestra added “The Twist,” a new dance rhythm and played it at that’s year’s New Year’s Eve dance. A young couple knew the dance moves and drew a standing crowd that surrounded them to watch. Davis died in 1976 but had remained active with his orchestras until 1975.
Sources: The New York Times, Chevy Chase Historical Society, The Beckley Post-Herald.
