-
Gene Rodemich Orch.- Margie (1921)
MARGIE
Words by Benny Davis
Music by J. Russel Robinson and Con Conrad
Performed by Gene Rodemich's Orcheastra
Recorded January 1921
Brunswick 2060
Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (1890 - 1934), was a pianist and orchestra leader of a semi-hot dance band in the early and mid 1920s.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Rose Rodemich. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston.
Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for ...
published: 17 Jan 2011
-
Swanee Gene Rodemich's Orch , 1919
George Gershwin's "Swanee," performed by Gene Rodemich's Orch. on Brunswick 2026 (October 1919). Some surface noise at the very start, but it quickly disappears. Very lively and jazzy treatment of this early Gershwin hit.
published: 28 Feb 2022
-
Fate - Gene Rodemich's Orchestra (w Allister Wylie) - 1922
Fate (It was fate when I first met you), by Byron Gay
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9399-3
published: 23 Apr 2021
-
Gene Rodemich's Orch - Wolverine Blues (1924)
Wolverine Blues
Words and Music by Ferd Morton, Benjamin Spikes & John Spikes
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Recorded June 21, 1923
Brunswick 2455
Wolverine Blues was Jelly Roll Morton's first successful hit, although originally titled "The Wolverines", the Melrose Brothers Publishing Company though it just might do better commercially if the word "blues" was in the title. This recording by Gene Rodemich's Orchestra was one of the earliest versions, along with recordings by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Benson Orchestra, Frank Westphal and one by Morton himself on the piano recorded for Gennett in July 1923.
The probable lineup for this performance was Gene Rodemich (p, ldr) Clarence Foster, Charles Werner (cnt), Larry Conley (tb), Bill Bailey (cl, sax), Porter Brown (bj), Jules Silverburg (...
published: 07 May 2014
-
Gene Rodemich & His Orchestra - APRIL SHOWERS - 1921
? St. Louis, c. November, 1921.
Br 2169/6516.
Gene Rodemich-p-dir/t/tb/as/Cm or ts/?2vn/bj/bb/d.
published: 21 Apr 2016
-
Teddy Bear Blues - Gene Rodemich's Orchestra (w Allister Wylie) - 1922
Teddy Bear Blues, by James H. Jackson
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9395-4
published: 23 Apr 2021
-
Roaring Twenties: Gene Rodemich's Orch. - Twilight, 1924
Gene Rodemich’s Orchestra – Twilight, Fox-Trot (Storman –Rodemich), Brunswick 1924 (USA)
NOTE: Eugene (Gene) RODEMICH (b.1890 in St.Louis, Missouri – d.1934 in New York) American pianist and bandleader, son of a dentist, who began his musical career in 1904 performing on piano in a classical repertoire in age of 14 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. At age 19, Gene played on the river steamer, with the President William Taft down the Mississippi in 1909. In 1913 he moved to New York, played in vaudeville and during the First World War in a troop support in France. On his return to St. Louis in 1918, he directed smaller ensembles until in 1919 he became bandleader of his own orchestra performing at the Liberty Theater. He was one of the first dance bands contracted at Brunswick Records and he ...
published: 17 Nov 2017
-
Gene Rodemich Orchestra Tia Juana
Gene Rodemich Orchestra-Tia Juana-June 10, 1924
published: 15 Mar 2009
-
Gene Rodemich and His Orchestra: Choo Choo & Broken Hearted Blues
1. Choo-Choo
(Ringle-Ellington-Schater)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Brunswick 2775
2. Broken Hearted Blues
(Ringle-Klickman-Bargy)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
(piano trio: Gene Rodemich, David H. Silverman, and Austin Wylie)
Brunswick 2290
Brian Rust lists the personnel for these recordings as Gene Rodemich (piano and dir.), unknown trumpet, trombone, Saxophone, possible violin, banjo, Brass Bass, and drums.
1) was recorded in NYC, November 24, 1924; and 2) was possibly recorded in St. Louis, MO, around June 1922.
published: 17 Jun 2018
-
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra - Blue Grass Blues, Fox Trot (Meyer & Schoebel) (1923)
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra plays 'Blue Grass Blues,' recorded in New York on 13 November 1923.
From Wikipedia: Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (April 13, 1890 in St Louis, Missouri – February 27, 1934 in New York) was a pianist and orchestra leader, who composed the music for numerous films in the late 1920s and early 1930s, mostly cartoons and live-action short subjects produced by The Van Beuren Corporation and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Barbara (nee Mahiger) Rodemich. Henry and Barbara also had a daughter, Estelle. After Barbara's death in 1897, Henry married Rosele Fairchild with whom he had two children, Emmet and L'rene. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pi...
published: 30 Apr 2022
3:27
Gene Rodemich Orch.- Margie (1921)
MARGIE
Words by Benny Davis
Music by J. Russel Robinson and Con Conrad
Performed by Gene Rodemich's Orcheastra
Recorded January 1921
Brunswick 2060
Eugene Fre...
MARGIE
Words by Benny Davis
Music by J. Russel Robinson and Con Conrad
Performed by Gene Rodemich's Orcheastra
Recorded January 1921
Brunswick 2060
Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (1890 - 1934), was a pianist and orchestra leader of a semi-hot dance band in the early and mid 1920s.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Rose Rodemich. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston.
Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for animated cartoons. He composed for many of the studio's other shorts, and for Frank Buck's first movie, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records.
Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia. He is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York. A widow, a son, and a daughter survived him.
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich_Orch._Margie_(1921)
MARGIE
Words by Benny Davis
Music by J. Russel Robinson and Con Conrad
Performed by Gene Rodemich's Orcheastra
Recorded January 1921
Brunswick 2060
Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (1890 - 1934), was a pianist and orchestra leader of a semi-hot dance band in the early and mid 1920s.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Rose Rodemich. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston.
Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for animated cartoons. He composed for many of the studio's other shorts, and for Frank Buck's first movie, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records.
Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia. He is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York. A widow, a son, and a daughter survived him.
- published: 17 Jan 2011
- views: 6583
3:21
Swanee Gene Rodemich's Orch , 1919
George Gershwin's "Swanee," performed by Gene Rodemich's Orch. on Brunswick 2026 (October 1919). Some surface noise at the very start, but it quickly disappear...
George Gershwin's "Swanee," performed by Gene Rodemich's Orch. on Brunswick 2026 (October 1919). Some surface noise at the very start, but it quickly disappears. Very lively and jazzy treatment of this early Gershwin hit.
https://wn.com/Swanee_Gene_Rodemich's_Orch_,_1919
George Gershwin's "Swanee," performed by Gene Rodemich's Orch. on Brunswick 2026 (October 1919). Some surface noise at the very start, but it quickly disappears. Very lively and jazzy treatment of this early Gershwin hit.
- published: 28 Feb 2022
- views: 98
3:26
Fate - Gene Rodemich's Orchestra (w Allister Wylie) - 1922
Fate (It was fate when I first met you), by Byron Gay
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Bruns...
Fate (It was fate when I first met you), by Byron Gay
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9399-3
https://wn.com/Fate_Gene_Rodemich's_Orchestra_(W_Allister_Wylie)_1922
Fate (It was fate when I first met you), by Byron Gay
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9399-3
- published: 23 Apr 2021
- views: 340
3:13
Gene Rodemich's Orch - Wolverine Blues (1924)
Wolverine Blues
Words and Music by Ferd Morton, Benjamin Spikes & John Spikes
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Recorded June 21, 1923
Brunswick 2455
Wolverine Blues ...
Wolverine Blues
Words and Music by Ferd Morton, Benjamin Spikes & John Spikes
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Recorded June 21, 1923
Brunswick 2455
Wolverine Blues was Jelly Roll Morton's first successful hit, although originally titled "The Wolverines", the Melrose Brothers Publishing Company though it just might do better commercially if the word "blues" was in the title. This recording by Gene Rodemich's Orchestra was one of the earliest versions, along with recordings by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Benson Orchestra, Frank Westphal and one by Morton himself on the piano recorded for Gennett in July 1923.
The probable lineup for this performance was Gene Rodemich (p, ldr) Clarence Foster, Charles Werner (cnt), Larry Conley (tb), Bill Bailey (cl, sax), Porter Brown (bj), Jules Silverburg (sax), Otto Reinert (vln), Allister Wylie (p), Paul Spohrleder (d).
Gene Rodemich (1890-1934) was born in St. Louis, and began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston. Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for animated cartoons. He composed for many of the studio's other shorts, and for Frank Buck's first movie, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records. Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia.
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich's_Orch_Wolverine_Blues_(1924)
Wolverine Blues
Words and Music by Ferd Morton, Benjamin Spikes & John Spikes
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Recorded June 21, 1923
Brunswick 2455
Wolverine Blues was Jelly Roll Morton's first successful hit, although originally titled "The Wolverines", the Melrose Brothers Publishing Company though it just might do better commercially if the word "blues" was in the title. This recording by Gene Rodemich's Orchestra was one of the earliest versions, along with recordings by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Benson Orchestra, Frank Westphal and one by Morton himself on the piano recorded for Gennett in July 1923.
The probable lineup for this performance was Gene Rodemich (p, ldr) Clarence Foster, Charles Werner (cnt), Larry Conley (tb), Bill Bailey (cl, sax), Porter Brown (bj), Jules Silverburg (sax), Otto Reinert (vln), Allister Wylie (p), Paul Spohrleder (d).
Gene Rodemich (1890-1934) was born in St. Louis, and began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston. Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for animated cartoons. He composed for many of the studio's other shorts, and for Frank Buck's first movie, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records. Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia.
- published: 07 May 2014
- views: 4925
3:22
Gene Rodemich & His Orchestra - APRIL SHOWERS - 1921
? St. Louis, c. November, 1921.
Br 2169/6516.
Gene Rodemich-p-dir/t/tb/as/Cm or ts/?2vn/bj/bb/d.
? St. Louis, c. November, 1921.
Br 2169/6516.
Gene Rodemich-p-dir/t/tb/as/Cm or ts/?2vn/bj/bb/d.
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich_His_Orchestra_April_Showers_1921
? St. Louis, c. November, 1921.
Br 2169/6516.
Gene Rodemich-p-dir/t/tb/as/Cm or ts/?2vn/bj/bb/d.
- published: 21 Apr 2016
- views: 1649
3:10
Teddy Bear Blues - Gene Rodemich's Orchestra (w Allister Wylie) - 1922
Teddy Bear Blues, by James H. Jackson
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix...
Teddy Bear Blues, by James H. Jackson
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9395-4
https://wn.com/Teddy_Bear_Blues_Gene_Rodemich's_Orchestra_(W_Allister_Wylie)_1922
Teddy Bear Blues, by James H. Jackson
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Piano passages by Gene Rodemich and Allister Wylie
New York, December 1922
Brunswick 2379
Matrix: 9395-4
- published: 23 Apr 2021
- views: 188
2:57
Roaring Twenties: Gene Rodemich's Orch. - Twilight, 1924
Gene Rodemich’s Orchestra – Twilight, Fox-Trot (Storman –Rodemich), Brunswick 1924 (USA)
NOTE: Eugene (Gene) RODEMICH (b.1890 in St.Louis, Missouri – d.1934 in...
Gene Rodemich’s Orchestra – Twilight, Fox-Trot (Storman –Rodemich), Brunswick 1924 (USA)
NOTE: Eugene (Gene) RODEMICH (b.1890 in St.Louis, Missouri – d.1934 in New York) American pianist and bandleader, son of a dentist, who began his musical career in 1904 performing on piano in a classical repertoire in age of 14 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. At age 19, Gene played on the river steamer, with the President William Taft down the Mississippi in 1909. In 1913 he moved to New York, played in vaudeville and during the First World War in a troop support in France. On his return to St. Louis in 1918, he directed smaller ensembles until in 1919 he became bandleader of his own orchestra performing at the Liberty Theater. He was one of the first dance bands contracted at Brunswick Records and he had a nationwide hit with his recording of "Swanee" (1919), some later famous musicians occassionally played with his band (Frank Trumbauer in 1921, Porter Brown and Larry Conley). Between 1926-28 Rodemich was contracted in Boston at the Metropolitan Theater and from 1929 he worked in CBS studios in New York and wrote music for the show Merry-Go-Round and a series of cartoons. He died suddenly of a complicated pneumonia in 1934 while working on the music for the cartoon film Aesop's Fables.
https://wn.com/Roaring_Twenties_Gene_Rodemich's_Orch._Twilight,_1924
Gene Rodemich’s Orchestra – Twilight, Fox-Trot (Storman –Rodemich), Brunswick 1924 (USA)
NOTE: Eugene (Gene) RODEMICH (b.1890 in St.Louis, Missouri – d.1934 in New York) American pianist and bandleader, son of a dentist, who began his musical career in 1904 performing on piano in a classical repertoire in age of 14 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. At age 19, Gene played on the river steamer, with the President William Taft down the Mississippi in 1909. In 1913 he moved to New York, played in vaudeville and during the First World War in a troop support in France. On his return to St. Louis in 1918, he directed smaller ensembles until in 1919 he became bandleader of his own orchestra performing at the Liberty Theater. He was one of the first dance bands contracted at Brunswick Records and he had a nationwide hit with his recording of "Swanee" (1919), some later famous musicians occassionally played with his band (Frank Trumbauer in 1921, Porter Brown and Larry Conley). Between 1926-28 Rodemich was contracted in Boston at the Metropolitan Theater and from 1929 he worked in CBS studios in New York and wrote music for the show Merry-Go-Round and a series of cartoons. He died suddenly of a complicated pneumonia in 1934 while working on the music for the cartoon film Aesop's Fables.
- published: 17 Nov 2017
- views: 1132
3:06
Gene Rodemich Orchestra Tia Juana
Gene Rodemich Orchestra-Tia Juana-June 10, 1924
Gene Rodemich Orchestra-Tia Juana-June 10, 1924
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich_Orchestra_Tia_Juana
Gene Rodemich Orchestra-Tia Juana-June 10, 1924
- published: 15 Mar 2009
- views: 2482
5:57
Gene Rodemich and His Orchestra: Choo Choo & Broken Hearted Blues
1. Choo-Choo
(Ringle-Ellington-Schater)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Brunswick 2775
2. Broken Hearted Blues
(Ringle-Klickman-Bargy)
played by
Gene Rode...
1. Choo-Choo
(Ringle-Ellington-Schater)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Brunswick 2775
2. Broken Hearted Blues
(Ringle-Klickman-Bargy)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
(piano trio: Gene Rodemich, David H. Silverman, and Austin Wylie)
Brunswick 2290
Brian Rust lists the personnel for these recordings as Gene Rodemich (piano and dir.), unknown trumpet, trombone, Saxophone, possible violin, banjo, Brass Bass, and drums.
1) was recorded in NYC, November 24, 1924; and 2) was possibly recorded in St. Louis, MO, around June 1922.
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich_And_His_Orchestra_Choo_Choo_Broken_Hearted_Blues
1. Choo-Choo
(Ringle-Ellington-Schater)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Brunswick 2775
2. Broken Hearted Blues
(Ringle-Klickman-Bargy)
played by
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
(piano trio: Gene Rodemich, David H. Silverman, and Austin Wylie)
Brunswick 2290
Brian Rust lists the personnel for these recordings as Gene Rodemich (piano and dir.), unknown trumpet, trombone, Saxophone, possible violin, banjo, Brass Bass, and drums.
1) was recorded in NYC, November 24, 1924; and 2) was possibly recorded in St. Louis, MO, around June 1922.
- published: 17 Jun 2018
- views: 151
3:03
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra - Blue Grass Blues, Fox Trot (Meyer & Schoebel) (1923)
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra plays 'Blue Grass Blues,' recorded in New York on 13 November 1923.
From Wikipedia: Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (April 13, 189...
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra plays 'Blue Grass Blues,' recorded in New York on 13 November 1923.
From Wikipedia: Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (April 13, 1890 in St Louis, Missouri – February 27, 1934 in New York) was a pianist and orchestra leader, who composed the music for numerous films in the late 1920s and early 1930s, mostly cartoons and live-action short subjects produced by The Van Beuren Corporation and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Barbara (nee Mahiger) Rodemich. Henry and Barbara also had a daughter, Estelle. After Barbara's death in 1897, Henry married Rosele Fairchild with whom he had two children, Emmet and L'rene. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. An entrepreneur, he formed the Rodemich Orchestra Exchange, through which he put together small bands of St. Louis-area musicians to play for wedding receptions and other social functions. Wanting to try his chances as an accompanist and bandleader in Chicago and then New York City, Rodemich sold his orchestra exchange to Walter Gustave (Gus) Haenschen, a popular bandleader in St. Louis. In 1919, when Haenschen was named founding Director of Popular Releases for the new Brunswick Record Company in New York City, Rodemich became one of the first bandleaders to whom Haenschen offered an exclusive Brunswick recording contract.
Before joining Brunswick, Rodemich was the primary accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston.
Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios from 1929 through 1934, writing music and directing the orchestra for animated cartoon series such as Aesop's Fables, Tom & Jerry (a duo similar to Mutt & Jeff, not to be confused with MGM's famous cat and mouse of the 40s and 50s) and Cubby Bear. He composed for many of the studio’s live-action shorts, featuring comedians such as Bert Lahr and Shemp Howard as well as Van Beuren's early 30s reissues of Charlie Chaplin's Mutual comedies of 1916-1917. He also scored Frank Buck’s first feature-length film, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records.
Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, 57 West Fifty-Seventh Street, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia. He is buried in Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York. A widow, a son, and a daughter survived him.
I transferred this recording from Brunswick 2527.
https://wn.com/Gene_Rodemich's_Orchestra_Blue_Grass_Blues,_Fox_Trot_(Meyer_Schoebel)_(1923)
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra plays 'Blue Grass Blues,' recorded in New York on 13 November 1923.
From Wikipedia: Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (April 13, 1890 in St Louis, Missouri – February 27, 1934 in New York) was a pianist and orchestra leader, who composed the music for numerous films in the late 1920s and early 1930s, mostly cartoons and live-action short subjects produced by The Van Beuren Corporation and distributed by RKO Radio Pictures.
Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Barbara (nee Mahiger) Rodemich. Henry and Barbara also had a daughter, Estelle. After Barbara's death in 1897, Henry married Rosele Fairchild with whom he had two children, Emmet and L'rene. Gene Rodemich began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. An entrepreneur, he formed the Rodemich Orchestra Exchange, through which he put together small bands of St. Louis-area musicians to play for wedding receptions and other social functions. Wanting to try his chances as an accompanist and bandleader in Chicago and then New York City, Rodemich sold his orchestra exchange to Walter Gustave (Gus) Haenschen, a popular bandleader in St. Louis. In 1919, when Haenschen was named founding Director of Popular Releases for the new Brunswick Record Company in New York City, Rodemich became one of the first bandleaders to whom Haenschen offered an exclusive Brunswick recording contract.
Before joining Brunswick, Rodemich was the primary accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston.
Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios from 1929 through 1934, writing music and directing the orchestra for animated cartoon series such as Aesop's Fables, Tom & Jerry (a duo similar to Mutt & Jeff, not to be confused with MGM's famous cat and mouse of the 40s and 50s) and Cubby Bear. He composed for many of the studio’s live-action shorts, featuring comedians such as Bert Lahr and Shemp Howard as well as Van Beuren's early 30s reissues of Charlie Chaplin's Mutual comedies of 1916-1917. He also scored Frank Buck’s first feature-length film, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records.
Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, 57 West Fifty-Seventh Street, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia. He is buried in Kensico Cemetery, Valhalla, New York. A widow, a son, and a daughter survived him.
I transferred this recording from Brunswick 2527.
- published: 30 Apr 2022
- views: 179