Benjamin "Ben" Pollack, born on June 22, 1903 in Chicago, was an American drummer and bandleader. He started playing drums in high school and formed groups during his teens. He co-wrote the jazz standard "Tin Roof Blues" in 1923. In the same year, he joined the New Orleans Rhythm Kings and later played with Harry Bastin's Band before forming his own group, Venice Ballroom Orchestra, also known as Ben Pollack and his Californians, in Chicago in 1925. This band included notable musicians such as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Jack Teagarden, and Jimmy McPartland. In 1928, Pollack's band moved to New York City and enjoyed significant success, playing for Broadway shows and recording extensively under various pseudonyms. The band broke up in 1935, but Pollack continued to lead new ensembles, including one with Harry James and Irving Fazola. He died on June 7, 1971.
