RUBE BLOOM AND HIS BAYOU BOYS

Biography

Rube Bloom and His Bayou Boys was a short-lived but influential jazz ensemble led by Reuben Bloom, a prolific American songwriter, pianist, arranger, and bandleader born in New York City on April 24, 1902. Bloom began his career in the 1920s, composing novelty piano solos and collaborating with prominent jazz musicians of the era. His musical style blended ragtime, swing, and early jazz, characterized by inventive arrangements and a playful approach to rhythm and melody[1].

The Bayou Boys, formed in 1930, was an all-star studio group assembled by Bloom during the early years of the Great Depression. The lineup featured some of the most celebrated jazz musicians of the time, including Benny Goodman, Adrian Rollini, Tommy Dorsey, and Mannie Klein. Although the group only recorded three records, their work is considered among the finest studio jazz recordings of the period, showcasing tight ensemble playing and sophisticated swing arrangements[1].

Bloom's legacy extends beyond his work with the Bayou Boys; he collaborated with legendary lyricists such as Johnny Mercer and Ted Koehler, and his compositions have been recorded by artists like Ella Fitzgerald. His influence on American popular music is reflected in both his songwriting and his innovative approach to jazz piano, which helped bridge the gap between ragtime and swing[1].

Fun Facts

• Rube Bloom published several books on piano method, contributing to music education beyond performance[1].
• His first hit, 'Soliloquy,' came in 1927, and his last major success, 'Here's to My Lady,' was co-written with Johnny Mercer in 1952[1].
• Bloom recorded for the Aeolian Company's Duo-Art reproducing piano system, preserving his piano style for posterity[1].
• The Bayou Boys' recordings are considered some of the best studio jazz works from the early Depression era, despite the group's brief existence[1].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• None specifically documented - No direct mentors are cited in available sources; Bloom was largely self-taught and influenced by the ragtime and early jazz traditions of New York. [1902–1920s]

Key Collaborators

• Benny Goodman - Clarinetist and band member in the Bayou Boys studio group. (Bayou Boys recordings (1930)) [1930]
• Adrian Rollini - Multi-instrumentalist and band member in the Bayou Boys. (Bayou Boys recordings (1930)) [1930]
• Tommy Dorsey - Trombonist and band member in the Bayou Boys. (Bayou Boys recordings (1930)) [1930]
• Mannie Klein - Trumpeter and band member in the Bayou Boys. (Bayou Boys recordings (1930)) [1930]
• Joe Venuti - Frequent collaborator; recorded with Bloom in Joe Venuti's Blue Four. (Blue Four recordings (1928)) [1928]

Artists Influenced

• Ella Fitzgerald - Recorded Bloom's 'I Can't Face the Music' in a swing/big band style. (Rhythm is My Business (1962)) [1962]
• Frank Sinatra - Recorded Bloom's revised song 'Truckin'' as 'Ev'rybody's Twistin''. (Ev'rybody's Twistin' (1962)) [1962]

Discography

Top Tracks

1. Mysterious Mose (The Charleston Chasers Vol. 2 & New York Studio Groups 1928-1930)
2. The Man from the South (The Charleston Chasers Vol. 2 & New York Studio Groups 1928-1930)
3. St. James Infirmary (The Charleston Chasers Vol. 2 & New York Studio Groups 1928-1930)
4. There's a Wah-Wah Girl in Agua Caliente (The Charleston Chasers Vol. 2 & New York Studio Groups 1928-1930)
5. On Revival Day (The Charleston Chasers Vol. 2 & New York Studio Groups 1928-1930)
6. On Revival Day - Take 1 (Jack Purvis 1928-1935)
7. On Revival Day - Take 3 (Jack Purvis 1928-1935)
8. There's a Wah-Wah Gal in Aqua Caliente (Jack Purvis 1928-1935)
9. The Man From The South (Great Jazz Of 1930)
10. St. James Infirmary (Great Jazz Of 1930)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia