Gus Arnheim (September 4, 1897 – January 19, 1955) was an American pianist and an early popular band leader.[1] He is noted for writing several songs with his first hit being "I Cried for You" from 1923.[1] He was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s.[2] He also had a few small acting roles.[3]
Arnheim was born inPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.[1]
In 1919, three men who all would become famous band leaders played together at the Sunset Inn inSanta Monica, California. Arnheim played piano,Abe Lyman played the drums, andHenry Halstead played violin. Arnheim grew up inChicago and at one point was accompanist to vaudevillianSophie Tucker. When Lyman organized a full dance orchestra, Arnheim came along as pianist, leaving to start his own group in 1927. Arnheim's orchestra made at least three filmshort subjects forWarner Brothers'Vitaphone Corporation in 1928–29.
Arnheim first recorded for OKeh in 1928–1929, when he signed with Victor in 1929 and stayed through 1933. He signed with Brunswick and recorded through 1937. In 1928–31, Arnheim had an extended engagement at theCocoanut Grove in Los Angeles. In 1930, whenPaul Whiteman finished filmingThe King of Jazz forUniversal,The Rhythm Boys vocal trio, consisting ofBing Crosby,Harry Barris andAl Rinker decided to stay in California and they signed up with Arnheim's band. While the Rhythm Boys only recorded one song with Arnheim, "Them There Eyes" (which also happened to be The Rhythm Boys final recording), Arnheim's Orchestra backed Crosby on a number of songs released byVictor Records in 1931.[4] These popular records, coupled with Arnheim's radio broadcasts featuring Crosby's solo vocals, were a key element to the beginning of Crosby's popularity as a crooner.[1]
Between 1930 and 1933, some notable people worked in or with Arnheim's band:
Between 1939 and 1944,Mexican American croonerAndy Russell played the drums and sang with Arnheim. Arnheim was the one who suggested that Russell sing bilingually inEnglish andSpanish and change his last name from Rábago to Russell (in honor of Russ Columbo) leading to his first million-selling record "Bésame Mucho".[5][6]
Gus Arnheim died of aheart attack in Los Angeles on January 19, 1955.
In the early 1930s, Arnheim "was heard on theLucky Strike Dance Hour, which was broadcast weekly onNBC."[7]
Arnheim's musical compositions included "Sweet and Lovely".[7]
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