Archie Bleyer American arranger, record company executive and leader of his own band. Date of Birth: 12.06.1909 Country: USA

Biography of Archie Bleyer

Archie Bleyer was an American arranger, record company executive, and leader of his own group. He was born in Queens, New York City. Bleyer began playing the piano at the age of seven. He enrolled in Columbia College in 1927, initially studying electrical engineering but later transitioning to a career in music. Although he did not complete college, it had no impact on his successful music career.

After leaving college, Bleyer focused on arranging. In the early 1930s, he wrote several songs that were later released on records. In 1934, he formed his own group, which performed at a Hollywood club. Bleyer's band recorded under the label 'Brunswick Records,' and among other artists, he collaborated with Johnny Mercer, who would later become a renowned songwriter and co-founder of 'Capitol Records.'

In 1946, Bleyer became the musical director for Arthur Godfrey and held this position until 1953. Many believed that Godfrey owed his success in radio and television to Bleyer, as he was not only an incredibly creative leader but also skillful at managing Godfrey's temperament.

In 1952, Bleyer founded 'Cadence Records,' and Julius La Rosa, one of Godfrey's proteges, became the company's first signed artist. However, in 1954, Godfrey dismissed La Rosa and later fired Bleyer. Despite La Rosa's initial lack of success, other artists under 'Cadence' gained significant popularity. Some of the most successful artists included Andy Williams and 'The Everly Brothers.'

Bleyer was skeptical of rock and roll but supported commercially successful projects like Phil Everly. However, less successful rock and roll musicians did not receive his support. This was the case with Link Wray until 1957 when Bleyer decided to release some of his compositions. However, after reviewing an album prepared by Wray in 1958, Bleyer concluded that it was not worth pursuing a collaboration with him. Consequently, Bleyer terminated his contract with Wray, and the album was only released decades later under the label 'British Rollercoaster.'

In 1962, 'Cadence' released the successful album 'The First Family' by Vaughn Meader. The album included Meader's famous sketches and parodies of President John F. Kennedy, which gained immense popularity but lost it after Kennedy's assassination. Although 'Cadence Records' did not have a large roster of artists, Bleyer managed to achieve impressive results with the few they had.

In 1964, Bleyer sold his label and most of its recordings. He was disheartened by the state of the British music scene during the 'British Invasion' and saw no reason to continue working in the industry. Andy Williams purchased Bleyer's company and recordings, later creating 'Barnaby Records' based on his acquisitions.

Bleyer moved to Sheboygan, Wisconsin, with his wife Janet. It was there that he passed away on March 20, 1989, due to complications from Parkinson's disease. It is known that Bleyer was a member of the Freemasons.