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Bob DoroughAmerican vocalist, pianist, composer, songwriter, arranger and producer
Date of Birth: 12.12.1923
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Bob Dorough: A Legendary Jazz Vocalist and Composer
- New York City and Ascending Career
- Collaboration with Jazz Legends and Solo Album
- "Schoolhouse Rock!" and Educational Music
- Collaborations, Recognition, and Legacy
Bob Dorough: A Legendary Jazz Vocalist and Composer
Early Life and Musical RootsBob "Robert Lord" Dorough was born on December 12, 1923, in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. Raised in Plainview, Texas, his musical journey began during World War II, where he served in army bands as a pianist, clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger. After the war, Dorough pursued a degree in composition at the University of North Texas, where he continued to hone his piano skills.
New York City and Ascending Career
From 1949 to 1952, Dorough studied at Columbia University in New York City, performing in local jazz clubs while pursuing his graduate degree. Notably, he was hired by renowned boxer Sugar Ray Robinson to coach him in music. In 1954-1955, Dorough resided in Paris, working as a musician and musical director, collaborating with jazz vocalist Blossom Dearie.
Collaboration with Jazz Legends and Solo Album
Upon his return to the United States, Dorough settled in Los Angeles and performed in various clubs, including between sets for stand-up comedian Lenny Bruce. In 1956, he released his debut album, "Devil May Care," featuring his bebop-oriented take on Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite" with lyrics written by Dorough himself.
The album caught the attention of jazz trumpeter Miles Davis, who, in 1962, requested Dorough's lyrics (and vocals) for a Christmas song on Columbia Records. The resulting track, "Blue Xmas," became a staple in the "Jingle Bell Jazz" compilation. Dorough penned another song for Davis, "Nothing Like You," which was later featured on the album "Sorcerer," making Dorough one of the few vocalists featured on Davis's recordings.
"Schoolhouse Rock!" and Educational Music
From 1972 to 1996, with additional releases in 2002 and 2009, Dorough composed and directed songs for the popular educational animated series "Schoolhouse Rock!" His involvement stemmed from a request in 1969 by advertiser David McCall to make learning the multiplication table enjoyable through music. The song "Three Is a Magic Number" propelled Dorough to the position of musical director for "Schoolhouse Rock!"
Dorough penned all the songs for "Multiplication Rock," the first of the show's six educational blocks, which premiered in 1973. He also contributed to the subsequent blocks: "Grammar Rock," "America Rock," "Science Rock," "Money Rock," and "Earth Rock." With his friend, jazz bassist Ben Tucker, Dorough came up with the song "Comin' Home Baby," which earned Mel Tormé two Grammy nominations.
Collaborations, Recognition, and Legacy
Throughout his career, Dorough worked with composer Stuart Scharf and produced two albums for the folk-pop group Spanky and Our Gang, infusing their sound with jazz arrangements. He was a vocalist for The 44th Street Portable Flower Factory, an innovative group that covered popular songs for Scholastic Records in the early 1970s.
Dorough toured Europe多次 with saxophonist Michael Hornstein, bassist Bill Takas, and drummer Fred Braceful. He contributed to the 2007 album "Obligatory Villagers" by British singer Nellie McKay and collaborated with her again on her fourth studio album, "Blueberry Pie - A Tribute to Doris Day" (2009).
Dorough continued to touch young audiences, authoring the children's book "Blue Xmas" and writing three songs for Maureen Sullivan's books about a French bulldog named Carlos: "Ankle Soup," "Custard and Mustard," and "Christmas Feet."
Bob Dorough passed away on April 23, 2018, at his home in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, at the age of 94. His artistry earned him a Grammy nomination in 1974 for Best Recording for Children. In 1998, he was inducted into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame and, in 2002, received the Artist of the Year for Excellence in the Arts from the Governor of Pennsylvania.
In 2007, Dorough was awarded an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania. His "Schoolhouse Rock!" songs continue to be available on YouTube, with some garnering millions of views. Dorough believed his music resonated with diverse audiences, "from rock-and-roll people to pop to jazz people" due to his ability to present jazz with feeling and his collaborations with top musicians.
