the group that premiered the seasonal hit jingle bells. John Ordway (1824-1880) formed the Aeolians in 1845. The group was a tremendous asset to Ordway's music store and publishing house. Ordway's group was basically a blackface minstrel troupe but also sang and performed new music as it appeared. A number of 19th century songs were written for the Aeolians and/or dedicated to Ordway, including "Jingle Bells." Future bandleader/composer Patrick Gilmore worked in Ordway's store and also appeared with the Aeolians. James Lord Pierpont's first major composition "The Returned Californian" in 1852 was written expressly for Ordway and his troupe.
