Harry Horlick

[3] Horlick was born in Konotop, Ukraine, according to his sworn naturalization and draft registrations,[4] while other sources list Kyiv[5] or Cherinkow, "a little hamlet just outside of Moscow, Russia".

[6] His brother's lack of financial success[7] as concertmaster of the Imperial Opera Company of Tiflis[8] caused their father to oppose another son's being a professional musician.

As Horlick heard musicians from diverse backgrounds play in Constantinople's cafes, he collected tunes that he later featured during his American career.

He went to France and Italy, where he spent time in exchanges with gypsy groups, hearing and learning their native music and, in turn, performing for them.

A radio official heard a string ensemble that Horlick led[7] at the Petrouschka club[10] in New York, leading to the group's gaining a contract to perform on the air.

[7]As the orchestra grew larger, Horlick increasingly focused his efforts on directing, but he still occasionally played his violin with the group.

By April 1940, The syndicated service offered 56 episodes of Harry Horlick Presents, featuring his orchestra and the Imperial Male Chorus.