Geraldo, a child prodigy pianist and band leader, received his training at the prestigious London's Royal Academy of Music. Born to a master tailor, Geraldo's early career began as a relief pianist at a cinema on the Old Kent Road, followed by a stint playing organ at a London restaurant. He first took the stage as the leader of his 'Light Orchestra', performing under his real name, Gerald Bright, at the Hotel Majestic in St. Anne's-on-Sea for a five-year residency.
In a bid to expand his musical horizons, Geraldo embarked on a tour of South America to study Latin rhythms and collect arrangements. This experience inspired him to create the 'Geraldo Tango Gaucho Band', earning him the nickname 'The Tango King' of England. For ten years, he resided at the Savoy, broadcasting over 2000 times and cementing his reputation as a master of tango music.
By 1933, Geraldo had revamped his orchestra, rebranding it as 'Geraldo & His Sweet Music', with the iconic song "Hello, Again" serving as his signature tune. The 1940s and 1950s saw Geraldo transform his organization once more, this time into a leading American-styled swing band in Britain, boasting an impressive lineup that included trumpeter Leslie Jiver Hutchinson, saxophonist/arranger George Evans, guitarist Ivor Mairants, and saxophonist Harry Hayes.
Throughout his illustrious career, Geraldo remained prolific, broadcasting extensively for the BBC and recording numerous tracks for Decca and Parlophone. He also worked as the musical director for Herbert Wilcox's British & Dominions film studio from 1935 to 1940. During World War II, Geraldo took on the role of Supervisor of Bands for ENSA, conducting several tours of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
In the post-war era, Geraldo transitioned into band management, providing ensembles (popularly known as 'Geraldo's Navy') to perform on Cunard ocean liners. In the mid-1950s, he became the musical director for Scottish television, eventually retiring as a band leader.
