Rube Bloom & His Bayou Boys

Reuben Bloom (April 24, 1902 – March 30, 1976) was a Jewish American multi-faceted entertainer, in addition to being a songwriter, pianist, arranger, band leader, recording artist, vocalist, and writer (he wrote several books on piano method). During his career, he worked with many well-known performers, including Bix Beiderbecke, Joe Venuti, Ruth Etting, and Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey. He collaborated with a wide number of lyricists, including Johnny Mercer, Ted Koehler, and Mitchell Parish. During the 20s he wrote many novelty piano solos which are still well regarded today. He recorded for the Aeolian Company's Duo-Art reproducing piano system various titles including his "Spring Fever". His first hit came in 1927 with "Soliloquy"; his last was "Here's to My Lady" in 1952, which he wrote with Johnny Mercer. In 1928, he made a number of records with Joe Venuti's blue Four for OKeh, including 5 songs he sang, as well as played piano. Bloom formed and led a number of bands during his career, most notably "Rube Bloom and His Bayou Boys", which consisted of 3 records made over 3 sessions in 1930 and are considered 6 of the hottest recordings made in the first days of the depression. It was an all-star studio group containing Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini, Tommy Dorsey and Manny Klein). At other times, he played with other bands; an example of this side of his career can be found in his work with Bix Beiderbecke and Frankie Trumbauer in the Sioux City Six, as well as his frequent work with Joe Venuti's Blue Four. His song "I Can't Face the Music" was recorded by Ella Fitzgerald on her 1962 Verve release Rhythm is My Business, in a fabulous swing/big band version with Bill Doggett. He is buried in Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.