Jews in the Land of Disney: From 'Fingers Zambeeze' to cantor, Allan Robuck brings the beauty of music to the community

At eight years of age, Allan Robuck, cantor of Congregation Ohev Shalom, “didn’t have an option” about playing music. “I grew up in a musical family and my two brothers and younger sister had to play piano, no exceptions!” he said.

Robuck’s parents loved music. After World War II, his father entered a talent show put on by the Les Elgart Big Band. Elgart was a trumpet player, often times playing with his brother Larry Elgart who recorded albums on the Columbia label. One of their most recognizable tunes was “Bandstand Boogie,” which was used by Dick Clark as his theme song for America Bandstan...