Rube Bloom - Life and Career

Life and Career

He was born and died in New York City.

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. Bloom formed and led a number of bands during his career, such as 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.

According to some sources, his first name was pronounced like 'Ruby' by his friends.

He is buried in Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York.