Dick Rogers | |
|---|---|
 Rogers appearing a in a 1941 The Morning Call newspaper clipping titled: "Empire Ballroom" | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as | "Stinky" Rogers |
| Born | September 23, 1912 |
| Origin | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | 1970 |
| Genres | traditional pop, jazz, comedy, Swing, Ragtime |
| Occupation(s) | musician, lyricist, bandleader, songwriter, composer, whistler |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Years active | ~1934 - ~1955 |
| Labels | Okeh, Columbia, Decca, Varsity, Associated |
| Formerly of | The Ray Noble Orchestra, the Will Osborne Band |
Richard Rogers (1912–1970) was a singer, comedian, songwriter and pianist, who wrote the lyrics for "Harlem Nocturne".[1][2][3] He was a member of the Ray Noble orchestra and the Will Osborne band.[4]
Rogers was associated with Will Osborne, a "star crooner" who was on the radio in the 1930s.[2] Osborne's band was on the decline in 1940.[2] Osborne created a "bus and truck vaudeville show", with comedy acts, which did not do well.[2] Dick was hired on as "Stinky" Rogers, doing a singing comedy act.[2] When Osborne moved to Hollywood in 1940, Rogers took over the band.[2] He did well, according to a Billboard Magazine review in 1942, who said he "...acquitted himself credibly, as did his orchestra."[3] The magazine called him capable, saying he could sing, compose, play and lead.[3]
- ^ "Harlem Nocturne". musicnotes.com. August 6, 2012. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e f Gavin, James (2015). Is That All There Is?: The Strange Life of Peggy Lee. Simon and Schuster. pp. 60–61. ISBN 978-1-4516-4179-0.
- ^ a b c "Hippodrome Baltimore". Billboard. August 8, 1942. p. 16. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
- ^ "'Andy Griffith' Composer Dies at 88". CNN. May 27, 2008. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved December 15, 2008.