Rube Bloom

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Reuben Bloom (April 24, 1902 – March 30, 1976) was a Jewish American composer of popular songs.

Rube Bloom was a multi-faceted entertainer, and in addition to being a songwriter, was a pianist, arranger, band leader, recording artist, and writer (he wrote several books on piano method). During his career, he worked with many well-known performers, including Bix Beiderbecke, 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 was used on 3 sessions in 1930; totally 6 of the hottest recordings made in the first days of the depression, 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.

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.

Songs

• "Day In, Day Out" - lyrics by Johnny Mercer
• "Don't Worry 'Bout Me" - lyrics by Ted Koehler
• "Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear to Tread)" - lyrics by Johnny Mercer
• "Give Me the Simple Life" - with Harry Ruby
• "Good-for-Nothin' Joe" - lyrics by Ted Koehler
• I Can't Face the Music, with lyrics by Ted Koehler
• "Out in the Cold Again"
• "The Man from the South"
• "Truckin'"
• "What Goes Up Must Come Down"