The band was versatile, playing a range of styles including popular Mexican tunes, Swing, Hawaiian and Hillbilly.

[5][6] As the thirties progressed, "Clyde Lucas and his California Dons" grew in popularity, releasing records and playing on the radio.

[2] In September 1938, Paramount Pictures released an 11-minute movie "short" called Lights, Action, Lucas, featuring the band.

[13] However, in 1943 Billboard Magazine reported that Lucas had abandoned the schmaltzy California Dons, with its strong violin section, and was now heading a more modern swing ensemble.

A newcomer to the scene named Loren Helberg was featured as a tenor sax soloist, and the vocalist Teeny Riley had replaced Patty Ross.