The story of Buck Clayton and His Harlem Gentlemen, and the legendary fight with Jack Riley at the Canidrome Ballroom, is a fascinating one and is part of the lore and legend of Shanghai’s Jazz Age in the 1930s. Buck Clayton is certainly the most famous American jazz musician to have played in Shanghai during the city’s “golden age”. A trumpeter hailing from Kansas, Clayton and his band were recruited by another legendary figure, stride pianist Teddy Weatherford, to sail to Shanghai from Los Angeles, and to play at the Canidrome Ballroom in 1934. The gig lasted around six months, until a fracas with the equally legendary American ex-con Jack Riley got Buck and his band booted from the ballroom. They eventually found work at Ladow’s Casanova, a lower-class ballroom that attracted a mixed crowd of soldiers, sailors, and middle-class Chinese customers.
While researching my book Shanghai’s Dancing World, I came across many accounts of this event in the newspapers and in memoirs of the era, including Buck’s own memoir. Though details differ among these accounts, it is pretty clear that Riley was hired by the management to stir up a fracas so that the band would lose its contract. Here is a collection of newspaper clippings telling the story in full, from Buck and his band’s arrival in April 1934 to play at the Canidrome, to their final days playing at the Casanova ballroom, where they were very well received. Though Buck states in his memoir that he spent two years in Shanghai, the newspapers suggest otherwise. Judging from a perusal of the China Press, Buck must have left town and sailed back to the USA sometime in 1935, since mention of him fades away after May 1935. Here are some of those articles from the China Press published between April 1934 and early 1935.
T. Weatherford Returns With 12-Man Band: Popular Musician Back With Colored Artists To Play At Canidrome
(The China Press Apr 11,1934)
Teddy Weatherford, one of the greatest and most popular musicians ever to appear here, returned to Shanghai yesterday morning from the United States, bringing a new colored 12-man dance band, the latter headed by the famous Buck Clayton, and five new colored entertainers, all destined for the Canidrome Ballroom. The new band, Teddy, and the new artists will open a long engagement at the Ballroom on Friday night. They will be added to the present strong program, thus giving the Canidromw a show the like of which probably has never been presented in a local dining and dancing establishment.
The new band is called Buck Clayton’s Harlem Gentlemen and comes to Shanghai with an enviable reputation gained in leading night clubs of America, as well as at the Paramount, and other motion picture studies. In addition to Clayton, trumpet player and leader, the band includes J. Bratton, trumpet; Teddy Buckner, trumpet; George Johnson, trombone; A. Taylor, saxophone; Hubert Myers, saxophone; C. Roberts, saxophone; George McCutcheon, violin; E. [Ernie] Beal, piano; Franklin Pasley, banjo; and Babe Lewis, drums.
Mr. Weatherford will appear in a dual role as a solo pianist, in which he is at his best, and as pianist with the orchestra, which will give the band two of the instruments. The return of Teddy is regarded by the management as a distinct triumph over many famous night clubs competing to his services.
Effective Friday night there will be a cover charge of one dollar and of two dollars on Saturday night and certain holidays. On Friday the charge will be $2. Dinners on Saturdays will be $5 and on all other nights, $4. The current artists at the ballroom are Charles Chesney, Murray and Harris, Bob and Teddy Drinkard, Gladys Versiney and. Andrew and Preston.
This ad appears in the China Press on April 15, 1934
New Band Makes Debut At Canidrome Ballroom
(The China Press Apr 15,1934)
One of the biggest and most sincere ovations ever given an artist in Shanghai was accorded the popular Teddy Weatherford at the Canidrome Ballroom on Friday night, the occasion of his return after a visit to America. Teddy's new dance band, headed by Buck Clayton, and the five new colored artists— Jack Bratton, Duke Upshaw, Thelma Porter, Aireima Columbus Taylor and Gladys Clayton —were warmly received by the Friday throng.
Both the band and the new entertainers quickly demonstrated that Teddy had not erred in selecting them from the pick of America for the Canidrome. The artists are said to be snappy dancers and singers, have ample stage presence and poise and a decidedly pleasing appearance. The band is to play a brand of music combining the utmost of both “sweet” and “hot” music, played in the mannger of the world’s greatest dance band. In addition to Teddy, the new band and the new entertainers, the management has retained the old favorites, Charles Chesney, gifted tenor, Murray and Harris, Bob and Teddy Drinkard and Miss Gladys Presten as mistress of ceremonies.
Canidrome’s New Band Mighty Hot
Max Chaicheck (The China Press, April 19, 1934)
Little Harlem has been transplanted from America to the Canidrome Ballroom. Such was our impression when we dined and wined at the Frenchtown ballroom the other night. The new all-colored band with its hi-de-ho rhythms set our feet adancing. It played jazz as it should be played, hot tunes that called for expert handling of all Instruments and the new bands-men proved more than capable. In the opinion of some patrons, the band at times, plays a bit too loudly. We think this is hardly true, for lively jazz calls for a bit of brass rather than subdued tones which makes you wonder how to dance.
The feature of the orchestra is the simultaneous playing of two pianos, one of which is thumped by none other than our Teddy Weatherford and the other by [Eddie] Beal, an excellent pianist, who looks more than Teddy’s brother than any other man we have ever seen. The two combine perfectly. One plays the tune and the other harmonizes and they switch at intervals in a manner which calls for great timing. Buck Clayton, leader, knows how to put his men through the pace; and is a bundle of activity and as a trumpet player, he has no equal here. Franklin Pasley, who strums the banjo, also sings and has a pleasing voice.
Of the artists, Thelma Porter did well with "Smoke Gets in My Eyes," the song which Tamara, a Russian girl, made famous in the United States and which made “Roberta,” the hit musical of New York. Duke Upshaw proved to be un excellent high-powered tap dancer. Of the old group, Murray and Harris are pleasing with their impressions of Shanghai although their other offerings are rather stale. Bob and Teddy Drinkard were more than entertaining with a combination tap and acrobatic number while Charles Chesney earned his plaudits with excellent singing.
Variety Featured On Canidrome Floorshow: Now American Dancers Put On Novel Numbers
(The China Press Sep 23,1934)
The new floor show at the Canidrome Ballroom offers plenty of variety— a castanet dance, a tiller dance, a hornpipe, a hula, a prize fight pantomime, songs, an eccentric jazz dance and an ensemble strut, the latter by the Six Hollywood Blonds and Kenneth Willmarth.
Willmarth continues to headline the show. This talented young singer and dancer, with the accent on the latter, made his debut In whirlwind fashion and quickly demonstrated his ability, but of late he seems to be out of his stride. This no doubt he will soon correct for Willmarth is a finished dancer and boasts many routines. While his soft shoe dancing fails to impress some patrons, it is, nevertheless, one of his best routines and is done in excellent time and rhythm. This work on the new bill reveals Willmarth in a song and dance and prize fight pantomime.
The show was presented for the first time on Friday night. Maureen Dunlap’s modernistic hula is well done, it is stated, as is also the Sailor’s Hornpipe by Leslie Brighton and Margery Marshon.
The show closes with an ensemble Strut by the Six Blonde and Mr. Willmarth. A lively eccentric jazz dance is presented by Duke Upshaw. Music is by the popular Buck Clayton’s Harlem Gentlemen, featuring Teddy Weatherford.
New Numbers Offered by Canidrome Ballroom
Ken Willmarth, Six Hollywood Blonds are Featured
(The China Press, Sept 30, 1934)
The new entertainment program at the Canidrome Ballroom this week boasts several unusually outstanding numbers, such the soft shoe dance by three of the Six Hollywood Blonds, a Kitty-Kat dance by Fanny Armstrong, a hula by Maureen Dunlop and songs and dances by the clever Kenneth Willmarth, it is reported. Miss Dunlop’s modernistic hula was to have been presented last week but due to her illness was postponed.
Willmarth this week sings and dances to the music of “St. Louis Blues” and “Sweet Sue.” There seems to be no limit to this talented young man’s repertoire as every week he presents some new and difficult steps. The finale of the show is an ensemble number, a waltz serenade by the Six Blonds and Willmarth. For this routine the girls are said to have gorgeous costumes bearing the stamp of Hollywood.
Duke Upshaw, the fast-stepping singing and dancing colored artist does a neat stick dance this week.
Most patrons are glad to see Buck Clayton, genial band leader at the ballroom, back on the job after a brief illness. Eddie Beal at one of the two pianos is a close competitor of the famous Teddy Weatherford. Today there will be a tea dance with a full program of entertainment.
New Style Floorshow Now On At Canidrome: Idea Of Presenting Two Big Shows Said To Be Good
The China Press (1925-1938); Oct 28,1934;
The Canidrome Ballroom is deserving of congratulations for the snappy manner in which it put on the new-style floor show on Friday night. Under the new arrangement two complete shows are given every night, the first at 11 and the second at 12:30 o’clock.
The Friday night crowd was enthusiastic and warmly applauded every number of the fast-moving show it is claimed. Especially good was the novelty band number by the boys of Buck Clayton’s Harlem Gentlemen. These boys presented one of the best musical numbers of the comedy type seen at the Canidrome in many months. Kenneth Will marth, as usual, almost stopped the show with his dancing, it is reported. Ken also has a sense of humor and the ability to make the audience really enjoy his antics on the floor.
In the first show the Six Hollywood Blonds are said to blossom forth with the loveliest costumes I they have worn since their debut at the ballroom. And the dance they present is said to be well worth watching. Halsey Armstrong, late of the Marcus Show, opens the entertainment with a fine Egyptian fantasie.
It is reported that every artist and every number scored. Shirley Roberts, Holly Rhinelander MacCloud, Maureen Dunlop and Duke Upshaw came in for a generous share of applause. The present show will continue until next Friday.
Shanghai Show World
Max Chaichek
(The China Press, Nov 14, 1934)
Fistic Comedy—Drama At Canidrome
Talking about entertainment minds us that Shanghai Show Worldites were busily wagging their tongues yesterday over a little bit of unplanned entertainment at the Canidrome Tuesday night. And if one is to believe Dame Rumor the climax to this act will be in the American Court for China.
The place Is the Canidrome. The time is 11 p.m. Tuesday. Buck Clayton's band is playing a lilting tune. The Hollywood Blonds are just about to put on a number. Mr. Jack Riley, ex-American sailor, who at one time was No. 1 at Riley's Bamboo Hut, now transformed into the Venus, and who a year or so ago sold his Manhattan Bar, famous gathering spot of the U. K, Asiatic Fleet, is sitting at a table with two girls.
Blows, Music, Peace
Exactly what happened is a problem still to be solved. We have heard at least seven different versions, and many similar are so we are relying on the majority of yarns that run in like lines. Mr. Riley beckoned to Buck Clayton leader of the Canidrome band, is how most versions have it. The lads had words, some say that Riley did not like Clayton’s smile, others that Clayton asked Riley to tone down. Anyway, blows were struck and Buck Clayton fell. Silence for a minute, then members of the band made for Mr. Riley.
The spotlight switches to the dance-floor. Riley is eagle-spread and reports indicate that one ot the musicians sat on his chest and proceeded to pummel him. Others joined in. There was no panic because the very few guests that were there did not know whether it was part or the floorshow or not. A few of them even thought that it was one of the best stunts that the Canidrome had staged in a long time. Imagine fists flying, a pianist thumping the ivories vigorously and a trumpet playing a lively tune and trying to keep rhthm with the exchange of blows. The curtain went down on this scene all too quickly, the battle being halted before it became serious. Casualties reported: Riley, slightly swollen jaw, plenty nf body bruises; Clayton, black-eye; other musicians minor bruises.
Quiet Returns
Quiet soon reigned at the Canidrome and everything went on as if nothing had happened. Later in the, night, Mr. Riley returned. No, he did not bring a gang with him. He came alone, hands in pockets, grumbling about some papers he had lost. He said nothing of the fight, perhaps because Mr. Riley is a hardy and courageous guy. We remember mr. Riley as an outstanding fighter in the Shangahi Volunteer Corps amateur bouts of a few years ago. He was plenty good, tough and game.
Notice Served On B. Clayton's Band Because Of Fight
(The China Press 14 Nov. 1934)
Buck Clayton’s band at the Canldrome was served with notice at 6 p.m. yesterday and is due to leave the Frenchtown Ballroom on Monday, November 19 because most members of the all-colored orchestra were involved in a fight with Mr. Jack Riley, local American, Tuesday night at the ballroom, it is learned from reliable sources. It is also understood that members of the band, including the leader, Buck Clayton, will be questioned this morning by Mr. Felthan Watson, United States district attorney. Some light on the affair is given in the Shanghai Show World column.
New Band To Play At Canidrome Tomorrow: Rabin's Orchestra To Succeed Clayton's Jazz Group
(The China Press Nov 18,1934)
A new, white American band— Nathan Rabin’s Champions—will open an engagement at the Canidrome Ballroom tomorrow night, it is announced by Manager J. A. Andrew. Tonight will mark the final appearance in the ballroom of Buck Clayton's Harlem Gentlemen, the band which has for the past seven months furnished dance music.
Included in the new band are some of the finest American musicians In Shanghai, and, it is stated by Mr. Rabin, more will shortly be added, including an outstanding musician, singer and master of ceremonies from Detroit—Larry Wardrope. The management believes that in the new band patrons will find just what is wanted. They are equipped with the latest dance music and play foxtrots, rumbas, tangos, one-steps and other dances with equal ease and ability.
Ken Willmarth, headliner of the show, will make three appearances on the new bill, doing two solo numbers, one a song and dance, and a third number with the Six Hollywood Blonds. Duke Upshaw, popular entertainer, will make his last appearance at the Canidrome tonight.
The Six Hollywood Blonds present two ensemble numbers and in addition several specialties are on the bill, one being by Shirley Lucretia Roberts and Billie Argentina Dunlop. Eleanor Walton presents a solo dance.
A difficult but beautiful arrangement of the immortal “Rhapsody In Blue” will be played by the band. With every one dollar purchase patrons are given a ticket for exclusive Canidrome drawing of a 1934 model Ford sedan.
Shanghai Show World
Max Chaichek
(The China Press Dec 19 1934)
More than a month has passed since Jack Riley’s battle with Buck Clayton’s all-colored orchestra. Since that fatal night many things have happened. The Negro band left the Canidrome shortly after the fracas. Jack Riley sued the management of the Canidrome but lost the action. Buck Clayton and his men and two women entertainers are still here. Although he is still trying to find a spot where he and his men can play good music and entertain, there’s little hope of such an occurrence. All spots in town have bands under contract in the night club or cabaret business at present. But Buck and his fellows are not giving up all hope. They plan to put on a stage show in one of the theaters, and we think the idea is a good one.
Casanova Draws Crowds with Clayton’s Band: Twelve-Man Group Called Best to Play in Cabaret Here
(China Press 29 Dec. 1934)
Buck Clayton’s Harlem Gentlemen, one of the finest bands ever to play here, is now being featured at Ladow's Casanova and the management of the cabaret is being congratulated by all for securing the service of such expert musicians. Offering jazz which can not be heard in any other cabaret and presenting a well-balanced floorshow, the Casanova has become a spot where bachelors as well as family parties can enjoy themselves in grand style without any extra cost, there being no cover charge.
Starting on Christmas Eve without any fanfare, Clayton’s 13-man band has already become a drawing magnet and the Casanova is catering to large crowds nightly and it is believed that more and more patrons will pass their evenings at the popular cabaret because of the excellent music—music for which Shanghailanders had to pay a cover charge formerly.
The management is adhering to its policy of providing guests with novel and pleasing entertaining and tonight will mark the debut of the Rhapsody Trio, three vivacious and beautiful Hungarian girls, two blondes and a brunette, in four numbers. These three girls, well educated, having perfect manners and being extremely easy on the eyes, should be a blessing in disguise to the lonely males who do not wish to trip the light fantastic with cabaret dancing hostesses, because they will be at liberty to join tables and dance with patrons.
They have worked with much success In Singapore, Manila and Hongkong in the leading theaters and night clubs there, and should soon earn the approval of Shanghailanders because they are talented entertainers. They will appear In a Tap Trio in men’s tuxedos, Waltz, Acrobatic Duet, English Dance, and Oriental Dance Trio.
The Ganin Sisters, Shura and Tina, after entertaining hundreds for two months will conclude their engagement tonight with two or three numbers while Nikitina and Svetlanoff will appear in a tango, “Orchids in the Moonlight," Gypsy Dance and Broken Doll, Ukie Lee and Dee St. Claire are to be seen in a waltz, “Sweetheart”. St. James, a modernistic tap number, and China Boy. Buck Clayton’s band will feature their own orchestration of “Some of These Days.”
The Casanova Ballroom on Ave. Edward VII
Clayton's Band Gets Big Hand At Casanova: Colored Boys Strike Stride And Entertain Patrons
(The China Press 5 Jan 1935)
Although the holiday season is almost a memory now, there's still gaiety and holiday atmosphere at Ladow's Casanova where Buck Clayton and his Harlem Gentlemen are playing tunes in a manner which has a way of setting one's toes itching for a dance. The boys, after their month's layoff, have struck their stride and, in the opinion of those who have heard them before at the Canidrome, they are playing to better advantage at present. The boys are trying hard to please and they certainly are being accorded a big hand from the patrons nightly for their excellent jazz orchestrations. Not only does the band sound good but each of the members is a talented musician who can handle several Instruments expertly and with a dash of showmanship which can't be seen elsewhere here, thus adding zip to the tunes.
The Casanova is gradually becoming the cabaret to go to when one wants to dance to the finest jazz here and it is noticeable that the patrons are learning to arrive a the spot early in order to obtain good tables and crowd in as much time as possible for dancing,
The floor show at the Casanova is a well-filled out one, containing dances which are snappy and varied. Ukle Lee and Dee St. Claire, two clever and pretty American girls, are being featured and their ability need not be questioned because they have never yet failed to salisfy Shanghailanders. Their costumes are beautiful and their dancing is graceful. The Rhapsody Trio, two charming Hungarian blonds and a brunette, also appear on the entertainment program in various tap, acrobatic and eccentric steps. These girls have gained a host of friends and they are permitted by the management to join the tables of patrons and dance with the guests. There is no cover charge of any kind at Ladow’s Casanova.
In keeping with his policy of providing Shanghailanders with something novel, Mr. Louis Ladow, co-owner of the Casanova, takes pleasure and pride in announcing that the popular cabaret has especially employed many new dancing hostesses, said to be the finest looking partners here. All of them are young, beautiful and expert dancers and are new to cabarets here. This move should find favor with most Shanghailanders who have complained that rarely an opportunity is given to see new faces in local cabarets.
During the past few days the Casanova has been In the throes of reorganization because of the engagement of the new dancing hostesses and dismissal of most of the old partners, but now that every thing is in order, the popular cabaret should be packed nightly. The Casanova stands for the most or entertainment for the least of cost, and this policy is proving popular with many night club and cabaret-goers in these days of depression. The Casanova features an excellent floorshow of three imported artists, two American girls and one Hungarian, and Buck Clayton's Harlem Gentlemen—first rate attractions—at no extra cost because there is no cover charge at the Casanova. Formerly Shanghailanders had to pay a high cover charge to hear Clayton’s band. Now they have the opportunity to dance to the fine music by this excellent organisation for nothing. The band plays all the latest hits in their own style and their orchestrations have been highly commented on.
Entertainment is provided by Ukle Lee and Dee St. Claire, two talented and good-looking American girls, who dance in a snappy manner and appear in several numbers nightly. Miss Clare von Csorba, , a beautiful blond from Budapest, also is on the floorshow. She sings and dances In talented manner.
Casanova Draws Many With Clayton’s Band
Snappy Colored Musicians At Cabaret Please Patrons
(The China Press, 13 Jan 1935)
Proving that rumors by unscrupulous persons to the effect that they were playing below their standard were absolutely unfounded, Buck Clayton’s Harlem Gentlemen gave full evidence that they are the finest dance band to be employed by a cabaret here and their snappy methods in dispensing Jazz music last week brought about much encomiums from the many pleased patrons of Ladow's Casanova. Ladow's Casanova is rapidly finding favor with folk who like to dance and sit amid comfortable surroundings, watch a floorshow and entertainment by talented bandsmen for the minimum of cost. There Is no cover charge at the popular cabaret, it is emphasized, despite the fine entertainment, A few people have gained the wrong impression on the cover charge as a moderate charge was made on New Year’s Eve as is customary with all the better-class establishments here.
One can get the best value for the money at the Casanova where the prices for food or drink are not higher than any other first rate cabaret. But while other cabarets have no features to offer, the Casanova proudly presents a band which Is the equal of any in the Far East, especially when It comes to typical hot American Jazz. In addition, Ukle Lee and Dee St. Claire, two clever and beautiful American girls, appear in snappy floor numbers, their dancing ranging from a dainty modernistic waltz to the fastest of tap numbers.
Those who like good, wholesome food after a visit to the theaters could do no better than to try the famous Casanova steaks, which are cooked by chefs who were taught their culinary art by, Miss Stella Leitao, co-owner of the popular cabaret and a woman who has built up a name for catering In Shanghai which Is known throughout the Far East as a trade mark for quality.
New Dancing Hostesses Employed By Casanova: Floorshow, Buck Clayton's Band Now At Cabaret
(The China Press Jan 19,1935)
In keeping with his policy of providing Shanghailanders with something novel, Mr. Louis Ladow, co-owner of the Casanova, takes pleasure and pride in announcing that the popular cabaret has especially employed many new dancing hostesses, said to be the finest looking partners here. All of them are young, beautiful and expert dancers and are new to cabarets here. This move should find favor with most Shanghailanders who have complained that rarely an opportunity is given to see new faces in local cabarets.
During the past few days the Casanova has been in the throes of reorganization because of the engagement of the new dancing hostesses and dismissal of most of the old partners, but now that everything is in order, the popular cabaret should be packed nightly. The Casanova stands for the most of entertainment for the least of cost, and this policy is proving popular with many night club and cabaret-goers in these days of depression. The Casanova features an excellent floorshow of three imported artists, two American girls and one Hungarian, and Buck Clayton's Harlem Gentlemen—first rate attractions—at no extra cost because there is no cover charge at the Casanova. Formerly Shanghailanders had to pay a high cover charge to hear Clayton’s band. Now they have the opportunity to dance to the fine music by this excellent organization for nothing. The band plays all the latest hits in their own style and their orchestrations have been highly commented on.
Entertainment is provided by Ukle Lee and Dee St. Claire, two talented and good-looking American girls, who dance in a snappy manner and appear in several numbers nightly. Miss Clare von Csorba, a beautiful blond from Budapest, also is on the floorshow. She sings and dances in talented manner.
Casanova Reopens With Tom King As Manager: Foreign, Korean Dance Girls Present At Cabaret
(The China Press Feb 2,1935)
All fueled by one of the best dunce bands heard here in years, new dancing hostesses and new decorations, to say nothing of reduced price for drinks and food and no cover charge, a large number of persons of various nationalities last night visited Tom King's Casanova 545 Avenue Edward VII, which was reopened on that occasion.
If last night's crowd is to be considered as the average it is certain that Manager King is going to offer strong competition for the cabaret supremacy of Shanghai.
Chief among the attraction is the dance band—Buck Clayton's Harlem Gentlemen, a nine-man band the personnel of which is composed of talented young American negroes with the famous Edward Beal at the piano and Buck Clayton mastering the trumpet.
The menu offers a wide variety of tasty short orders, many of which are but one dollar per order. The new low prices for drinks also is expected to meet with the hearty approval of patrons. Expert dancing hostesses, both foreign and Korean, are on hand to dispel any loneliness felt on the part of unattached male patrons. There is no cover charge.
This ad appears in The China Press on May 2, 1935. This is the last mention of Buck Clayton in the China Press while he was still performing in Shanghai.