Title Front Cover of Korla Pandit Record Album Entitled "Christmas Traditionals, Volume 5"
Date of Original Unknown
Date of Digital 13 November 2004
Description

John Roland REDD (1921-1998) a.k.a. Korla Pandit www.korlapandit.com a.k.a. Juan Rolando was born in St. Louis and moved to Hannibal, Missouri, in 1922, when his father became the minister of the Eighth and Center Street Baptist Church.  While in Hannibal, the family resided at resided at 204 N. 8th Street.  John Roland REDD was an accomplished musician.  Although his antecedants were African American, he changed his name to Korla Pandit and claimed to be from India.  Some of his most famous accomplishments included accompanying Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneers, and music for a puppet show "Time for Beany."  In the latter, he opened with his original "Magnetic Theme."  He had his own radio show starting in 1949, in Los Angeles, where he provided all the music for "Chandu The Magician."  He was well known for being able to play two organs or pianos at the same time, along with his "exotic" look.  His television show in the 1950's was called "Adventures in Music."  When he quit his television show, Liberace replaced him using the same piano and sets.  He appeared in several movies throughout his career, including "Something to Live For" (1952), "Which Way Is Up?" (1977) and "Ed Wood" (1996).   He also appeared in a number of Rose Bowl Parades.  He died in Petaluma, California. http://www.korlapandit.com/obituarieskorlaberylshari.htm. 
A comprehensive listing of his recordings may be found at http://www.korlapandit.com/thetunes.htm and
http://www.korlapandit.com/kaktuskorla.htm.

Creator India Records
Contributor Hall, Rhonda. deClue, David.
Publisher Hannibal Free Public Library (Hannibal, MO)
Subject Pandit, Korla, 1922-1998.
Subject

Rolando, Juan.

Subject Redd, John Roland, 1922-1998.
Subject African American musicians -- United States -- 20th century.
Original Format Record album, black and white, 12" by 12".
Digital Format jpg
Identifier B7221