Johnny Catron

Johnny Catron (September 24, 1916—October 31, 1998) was an American swing and popular music arranger, songwriter, and big band leader. He led his ensemble Johnny Catron And His Orchestra. Among his popular songs are "A Little Affection," "There is a Time and a Place for Everything," and his theme song "Love Day."

While a musician, he worked full-time as a car salesman for 36 years.

Johnny Catron was born on September 24, 1916, in Henryetta, Oklahoma.

Catron led his first band in the late 1930s, shortly before the U.S. entered the war, in Boston, Massachusetts. He disbanded in 1941 and joined the Ben Pollack Orchestra. Working with Pollack, he began arranging and

writing songs.

He then became the chief arranger while working for the Union Oil Company in radio.

After the Second World War, Catron formed another band but was unable to finance it. Later, he relocated to Pomona, California, where he opened his own automobile dealership in 1952 and later became one of the first Volkswagen and Porsche dealers in the U.S. With his dealership, he was able to finance his band Johnny Catron And His Orchestra. His band played in various ballrooms and restaurants in Glendora and Pomona well into the 1980s. He also wrote a song that referenced both of his professions, "Volkswagen Song Polka".

A few years later, Catron wrote for California radio station, KFI, which featured noted bandleaders Freddy Martinand Lawrence Welk.

Catron recorded for Nortac Records. In 1962, Nortac released an album titled "25 Years Of Swing" featuring 12 tracks by Johnny Catron And His Orchestra.

After President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas in 1964, Catron wrote a song entitled "The Big D."

• Volkswagen Song Polka
• There's a Time and a Place for Everything
• Valerie
• Why Did I Let Christmas Get Away from Me?
• Little Affection

Catron died at the age of 82 on October 31, 1998, in Los Angeles, California.