Gus Arnheim

Gus Arnheim (September 4, 1897 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 1955 in Los Angeles, California) was an early popular band leader. He is noted for writing several songs with his first hit being "I Cried for You" from 1923. He was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. [ [http://nfo.net/cal/ta4.html Big Band Database] ] He also had a few small acting roles. [ [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0036280/ IMDB] ]

In 1930-31, Arnheim had an extended engagement at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. When Paul Whiteman finished filming "The King of Jazz" for Universal, The Rhythm Boys vocal trio, consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker decided to stay in California and they signed up with Arnheim's band. A select number of Victor followed, which were popular and coupled with Arnheim's radio broadcasts featuring Crosby's solo vocals, this really was the beginning of Crosby's popularity as a crooner.

In 1919 three men who all would become famous band leaders played together at the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California. Gus Arnheim played piano, Abe Lyman played the drums and Henry Halstead played violin.

In 1930 and 1931, some notable people worked in or with Arnheim's band:
* Fred MacMurray played clarinet and tenor sax in 1930-31 and sang on one recording ("All I Want Is Just One" on 3/30/30)Fact|date=March 2008
* Russ Columbo played violin in 1930 and sang on "A Peach Of A Pair" (6/18/30)Fact|date=March 2008
* Future popular bandleader Jimmie Grier was staff arranger during this timeFact|date=March 2008
* Eddie Cantor and Joan Crawford(!) each recorded a song for Arnheim on July 23, 1931, although the Crawford side ("How Long Will It Last?") was not issued.Fact|date=March 2008

Footnotes

External links

* [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=7893343 Gus Arnheim] at Find-A-Grave