Brad Swanson

Born in Buffalo, New York, Swanson began playing the organ in Olean, New York.[1][2] He began his professional career at the age of eighteen, touring the country while giving concerts in clubs.[1] In 1948 he was appearing twice daily at The Capitol Hill restaurant in Olean.[3] In the early 1960s Swanson had a radio show entitled "Dinner Serenade" which broadcast on WKJF.[4][5] His album "Quintin's Theme" appeared on Billboard's album charts in October 1969 for two weeks, the highest listing being at position #185.[2] In 1971 he was employed as an organist at the Erie, Pennsylvania Holiday Inn. By that time he had released ten LP records on Thunderbird Records and was active as a promoter for the Music Operators of America.[6]

His marketing tag was "and his Whispering Organ Sound".[7] Swanson played Allen organs, which he would extensively modify.[1] Richard Nixon was reported to be a fan of Swanson's music.[1] In the late 1960s and very early 1970s his singles appeared among the most popular selection in the Midwest for jukeboxes oriented towards "adult" and "oldies" locations.[8][9][10] A "Greatest Hits" compilation released on Thunderbird in 1970 was accorded a four-star rating (the highest possible) by Billboard.[11] His recordings were reviewed three decades later as "majestically cheezy."[7]