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Dave BartholomewAmerican musician, bandleader, composer, arranger and music producer
Date of Birth: 24.12.1918
Country: ![]() |
Content:
- Dave Bartholomew: A Musical Pioneer and Legend
- Early Life and Musical Beginnings
- Bandleading and Wartime Service
- Post-War Success with the Dew Droppers
- Collaboration with Imperial Records
- Later Career and Legacy
- Personal Life and Death
Dave Bartholomew: A Musical Pioneer and Legend
Dave Bartholomew, an American musician, bandleader, composer, arranger, and record producer, was a towering figure in music during the latter half of the 20th century. His work spanned multiple genres, including rhythm and blues, New Orleans jazz, swing, rock and roll, and Dixieland.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on December 24, 1918, in Edgard, Louisiana, David Louis Bartholomew grew up in a musical family. He initially pursued his father's instrument, the tuba, but later switched to the trumpet under the guidance of Peter Davis, who had also taught Louis Armstrong. Around 1933, Bartholomew moved with his family to New Orleans, where he played in various jazz and brass bands, including Papa Celestin's and Fats Pichon's bands.
Bandleading and Wartime Service
In 1941, Dave became the leader of Fats's band, later joining Jimmie Lunceford's orchestra and then enlisting in the U.S. Army during World War II. While serving, Bartholomew honed his skills as an arranger and songwriter as a member of the 196th Field Artillery Band.
Post-War Success with the Dew Droppers
By November 1945, David was leading his own group, Dave Bartholomew and the Dew Droppers, which became a "cornerstone of rhythm and blues" in New Orleans. In 1947, Bartholomew met Lew Chudd, the founder of Imperial Records; two years later, their collaboration yielded their first national hits.
Collaboration with Imperial Records
Dave's relationship with Imperial, however, hit a snag in 1950, and he briefly worked with Decca, King, and Specialty labels. After the success of "My Ding-a-Ling," particularly its rendition by Chuck Berry, and the recording of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" for Lloyd Price, Bartholomew returned to Imperial Records.
David wrote, produced, and arranged for numerous Imperial artists, including Smiley Lewis, Chris Kenner, and Frankie Ford. His most notable collaborations were with pianist Fats Domino. Throughout the mid-1950s, Dave and Fats recorded over 40 hits for Imperial Records, including the Billboard pop chart-topper "Ain't That a Shame." David also penned other classics such as "Blue Monday," "One Night, I Hear You Knocking," and "I'm Walkin."
Later Career and Legacy
Following Imperial's acquisition by Liberty Records in 1963, Bartholomew remained based in New Orleans and worked with Trumpet Records and Mercury Records before founding his own label, Broadmoor Records, in 1967. Broadmoor Records folded the following year after its distributor, Dover Records, went bankrupt.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Dave led a jazz band in New Orleans and released the album, "Dave Bartholomew's New Orleans Jazz Band." In the 1990s, he presented two more albums, "Dave Bartholomew and the Maryland Jazz Band" and "New Orleans Big Beat," and continued to make occasional festival appearances.
Personal Life and Death
Bartholomew married Pearl King in 1942. After her passing in 1967, he wed Rhea Dawes. He was survived by four sons and one daughter. On December 24, 2010, David turned 100, but plans for a celebratory concert were canceled due to his hospitalization.
Dave Bartholomew passed away from heart failure in Metairie, Louisiana, on June 23, 2019. His legacy as an influential musician, producer, and composer continues to inspire generations of music creators.