Marvin Drucker
Oral History Information
Marv Drucker spent his early career in New York playing all types of venues from showrooms, to hotels, dives, clubs and theaters, more than you can imagine. Such performers were referred to as “musical journeyman,” and Marv was among the best. He witnessed firsthand the changing of musical styles in New York as the big bands folded and bebop became the most popular form of jazz following World War II. Marv was there to see how these changes affect working musicians and he realized the important role the Musicians Union played in seeking proper compensation for his work. Years later, after moving to San Diego, he saw a need to strengthen the local union chapter. Beginning in the late 1960s, Marv decided to help the working musician by serving on the union board, a post he kept for several decades. Over the years, Marv worked to provided benefits for union members and to encourage venues in the city to hire union musicians. Marv made a difference.