Bob Kames - Early Life

Early Life

Kames was born Robert Kujawa to his parents Valentine Kujawa and Esther Kujawa. (Bob Kames was his professional, stage name.) His father worked as an alderman in Milwaukee's south side. He began playing the piano when he was 12 years old.

Kames was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He was a member of the service for approximately one year, when an army chaplain heard his playing the piano. The chaplain reportedly asked Kames if he could play the organ. He did not know how to play this instrument, but decided to give it a try. As result, Kames earned his first job in music as both the Army chapel organist, as well as the chaplain's full time assistant.

Kames earned his stage name, Bob Kames, when an announcer on Armed Forces Radio could not pronounce Kujawa. Kames also began playing for United States troops during the war. For example, he performed as an accompanist USO dancer named Edith Campbell in 1945.

Kames and Campbell later married in 1955. Their legal married name remained Kujawa, though the couple became known as Bob and Edith Kames.