Career
She played trumpet in a number of jazz bands (most notably the all-female bands led by Irene Vermillion and Ina Ray Hutton). Klein was a native of Cleveland, Ohio where she played trumpet in the Glenville High School Band. Around 1935 she was invited to play in Kermit Dart"s All-Girl Band, which was led by Irene Vermillion.
Klein traveled the country for two years with Vermillion"s dance act/revue, "Rhapsody in Red." Upon returning to Cleveland, she was invited to tour with Ina Ray Hutton"s Melodears.
After which, she returned again to Cleveland where she performed in a variety of local venues as a part of the Cleveland Women"s Orchestra. Klein led a number of bands.
In the late seventies, the Siskins moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where Klein continued playing trumpet in groups including the Jacksonville Bulls Pep Band, the Jacksonville Gator Pep Band, and a senior citizen"s band known as High Society. She died in 2012 at the age of 97.
Kermit Dart"s All-Girl Band with Irene Vermillion
Melodears
Cleveland Women"s Orchestra
Frances Klein"s All-Girl Orchestra
Frances Klein and Her Formal Swingsters
Frances Klein and Her Moderniers
Frances Klein and Her Rhythm Boys
United States Marine Band
Frances Klein"s All-Girl television Band
Jacksonville Bulls Pep Band
Jacksonville Gator Pep Band.
