Conrad Janis

Did you know?!

1. Beyond film

   Conrad Janis formed the Beverly Hills Unlisted Jazz Band in the late 1970s; the group played the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson several times and gave eight sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall.

2. A change of course

   In 1954 Janis entered a NASCAR Grand National Series race, placing 39th at the Linden Airport. He belonged to an amateur sports car group and used the false name J. Christopher to keep his amateur status.

3. First role

   At 13, Janis won an audition for a road company and stayed with it for two years. He also started doing radio voice work during that period.

4. Big break

   Janis landed a part in Dark of the Moon while it was still in its pre-Broadway run, and a Hollywood talent scout noticed him there. He remained with the show when it moved to New York City, so his Broadway debut came in March 1945.

5. Beyond film

   In 1949 Janis assembled a band of jazz musicians he idolized, with James P. Johnson on piano, Henry Goodwin on trumpet, Edmond Hall on clarinet, Pops Foster on bass, Baby Dodds on drums, and Janis himself on trombone.