Bobby Cole (musician)
Encyclopedia
Bobby Cole was an American musician, known for his jazz
singing and piano
playing. He was also a jazz composer
and arranger
. He worked as a musical arranger for Judy Garland Show hosted by Judy Garland
and succeeded Mel Tormé
. He also conducted the orchestra for her 1967 "Palace" concerts and album, and was the conductor and musical director on her last tour.
Frank Sinatra
was known to call him "my favorite saloon entertainer." and used to listen to Cole frequently at Jilly's where Sinatra was a regular. He mainly played in New York
clubs, though he also played at venues in Las Vegas
, Miami Beach and Atlantic City and was featured at such top casinos as the Sands Hotel
and Caesar's Palace.
on September 8, 1932 and grew up in the Ravenswood
section of Queens
. After service in the Third Cavalry during the Korean War
, he returned to New York
to begin his career.
Although best known as soloist, Cole periodically worked with a bassist and a drummer as well. The Bobby Cole Trio premiered in New York at The Living Room
in New York in 1960. His friend, Frank Sinatra
was under contract with Capitol
at the time and through him, Cole was offered a deal at Capitol. Cole wasn't able to conform to the playlist demands of big record labels, or the compromises that producers wanted.
In 1960, Cole agreed to a record deal with [Columbia Records] on less restraining terms and the same year produced an album. The album was called "NEW NEW NEW" and it featured a traditional jazz trio setup and traditional jazz arrangements but it was Cole's youthful voice that had a smoky burr that made it extraordinary. One of Cole's trademark tunes "The Lady's In Love With You." was on this album as well.
In early 1964, Bill Colleran, the then executive producer for The Judy Garland Show
fired Mel Tormé
and Cole was appointed as the musical arranger for the show. Judy Garland
had recently met him in New York and allegedly a relationship had started between them. Later on, Garland called upon Cole to conduct the orchestra for her 1967 "Palace" concerts and the album that accompanied these concerts.
Cole eventually made a solo album in 1966. "A Point of View" was published through Concentric Records which was started by Cole's friend Jack Lonshein. Lonshein was working for Mainstream Records
and was a friend of Cole's. Lonshein tried to get Bob Shad
, the founder of Mainstream
to release an album of Cole’s original material, but Shad failed to show interest. Frustrated by this setback, Lonshein started his own record label, Concentric Records, in 1966. When Cole’s "A Point of View" album was finally released on Concentric in 1967, it sold quite well in the New York City area, where he had earned a following mainly through his performances at Jilly's. The album was a remarkable disc of original songs that was an underground sensation for its brash, jazzy up-tunes and some dark ballads including the somber closer, "Growing Old."
At about this time, after hearing author Jerry Jeff Walker play a yet-to-be recorded composition called "Mr. Bojangles," in a light, folk style at a Greenwich Village club, Cole decided to cover it as a contemplative ballad. A recording of the song was later released on Concentric in 1968. This would be the label’s only 7-inch release. Lonshein licensed the master to Date records as well for better distribution and it began to take off. Unfortunately, the single came out at exactly the same time as Jerry Jeff Walker
’s version. Cole's single "Mr. Bojangles" was released in the summer of 1968 on Columbia Records
. Cole and Walker's versions battled to a draw inside the Top 100. But it would be Cole's arrangement later used by everyone from Sammy Davis, Jr.
to George Burns
.
As both versions were slowly creeping up the charts in the summer of 1968, a frustrated Bob Shad
, thinking he had missed out on an opportunity for a long-awaited hit, hypocritically chastised Lonshein for not releasing the single on Mainstream
. Lonshein left Mainstream
as a result of this incident and took a job at an all-night record store and awoke early each morning to produce tapes with Cole. Lonshein brought the tapes to the attention of his old friend Phil Picone who at the time was working for MGM. The label expressed some interest, but the contract was too strict for the alcoholic Cole.
A skilled arranger and composer, he sometimes tried a change of pace. Between 1973 and 1975 he toured Europe with the Louis Falco Dance Company. Ruggedly attractive, possessing an imposing Brando
-like set of wry frowns and challenging smiles, Bobby was married and divorced several times. His trademark was his strong, jangling piano style (Errol Garner being an influence) and his unique, rasping delivery which was evidence of his cigarette habit and the nearly forty years spent in smoky nightclubs.
When Bobby turned up in 1992 for what would be a four year tenure at Campagnola, New York Times commented that he was the type of singer/pianist who could "create the kind of romantic aura generated in films like Casablanca
." As mentioned on the illfolks.blogspot.com, Bobby's rugged lifestyle included too much smoking and drinking, which was a factor in his death. As there was no autopsy, next of kin were told that the probable cause of death was a heart attack. He did not fall on a sidewalk and hit his head as has been erroneously reported.
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
singing and piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
playing. He was also a jazz composer
Composer
A composer is a person who creates music, either by musical notation or oral tradition, for interpretation and performance, or through direct manipulation of sonic material through electronic media...
and arranger
Arranger
In investment banking, an arranger is a provider of funds in the syndication of a debt. They are entitled to syndicate the loan or bond issue, and may be referred to as the "lead underwriter". This is because this entity bears the risk of being able to sell the underlying securities/debt or the...
. He worked as a musical arranger for Judy Garland Show hosted by Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
and succeeded Mel Tormé
Mel Tormé
Melvin Howard Tormé , nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, known for his jazz singing. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, a drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books...
. He also conducted the orchestra for her 1967 "Palace" concerts and album, and was the conductor and musical director on her last tour.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
was known to call him "my favorite saloon entertainer." and used to listen to Cole frequently at Jilly's where Sinatra was a regular. He mainly played in New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
clubs, though he also played at venues in Las Vegas
Las Vegas metropolitan area
The Las Vegas Valley is the heart of the Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA also known as the Las Vegas–Paradise–Henderson MSA which includes all of Clark County, Nevada, and is a metropolitan area in the southern part of the U.S. state of Nevada. The Valley is defined by the Las Vegas Valley landform, a ...
, Miami Beach and Atlantic City and was featured at such top casinos as the Sands Hotel
Sands Hotel
The Sands Hotel was a historic Las Vegas Strip hotel/casino that operated from December 15, 1952 to June 30, 1996. Designed by architect Wayne McAllister, the Sands was the seventh resort that opened on the Strip....
and Caesar's Palace.
Biography
Bobby Cole was born in New YorkNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
on September 8, 1932 and grew up in the Ravenswood
Ravenswood, Queens
Ravenswood is the name for the strip of land bordering the East River in Long Island City, in the New York City borough of Queens. The area is part of Queens Community Board 1.-History:...
section of Queens
Queens
Queens is the easternmost of the five boroughs of New York City. The largest borough in area and the second-largest in population, it is coextensive with Queens County, an administrative division of New York state, in the United States....
. After service in the Third Cavalry during the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, he returned to New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
to begin his career.
Although best known as soloist, Cole periodically worked with a bassist and a drummer as well. The Bobby Cole Trio premiered in New York at The Living Room
The Living Room
The Living Room is a music venue on Ludlow Street on the Lower East Side in New York City that was established in 1988. The Living Room is co-owned by Steve Rosenthal and Jennifer Gilson. The Living Room has showcased some of the best of New York City’s singer/songwriter, alt-country, and rock world...
in New York in 1960. His friend, Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
was under contract with Capitol
Capitol Records
Capitol Records is a major United States based record label, formerly located in Los Angeles, but operating in New York City as part of Capitol Music Group. Its former headquarters building, the Capitol Tower, is a major landmark near the corner of Hollywood and Vine...
at the time and through him, Cole was offered a deal at Capitol. Cole wasn't able to conform to the playlist demands of big record labels, or the compromises that producers wanted.
In 1960, Cole agreed to a record deal with [Columbia Records] on less restraining terms and the same year produced an album. The album was called "NEW NEW NEW" and it featured a traditional jazz trio setup and traditional jazz arrangements but it was Cole's youthful voice that had a smoky burr that made it extraordinary. One of Cole's trademark tunes "The Lady's In Love With You." was on this album as well.
In early 1964, Bill Colleran, the then executive producer for The Judy Garland Show
The Judy Garland Show
The Judy Garland Show is an American musical variety television series that aired on CBS on Sunday nights during the 1963-1964 television season. Despite a sometimes stormy relationship with Judy Garland, CBS had found success with several television specials featuring the star...
fired Mel Tormé
Mel Tormé
Melvin Howard Tormé , nicknamed The Velvet Fog, was an American musician, known for his jazz singing. He was also a jazz composer and arranger, a drummer, an actor in radio, film, and television, and the author of five books...
and Cole was appointed as the musical arranger for the show. Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Judy Garland was an American actress and singer. Through a career that spanned 45 of her 47 years and for her renowned contralto voice, she attained international stardom as an actress in musical and dramatic roles, as a recording artist and on the concert stage...
had recently met him in New York and allegedly a relationship had started between them. Later on, Garland called upon Cole to conduct the orchestra for her 1967 "Palace" concerts and the album that accompanied these concerts.
Cole eventually made a solo album in 1966. "A Point of View" was published through Concentric Records which was started by Cole's friend Jack Lonshein. Lonshein was working for Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records was an American record label, which released jazz, rock music, and soundtracks during the 1970s.It was founded in 1964 by Bob Shad, and in its early history reissued material from Commodore Records and Time Records in addition to some new jazz material...
and was a friend of Cole's. Lonshein tried to get Bob Shad
Bob Shad
Bob Shad was an American music producer and record label owner. He produced the first album by Big Brother and the Holding Company...
, the founder of Mainstream
Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records was an American record label, which released jazz, rock music, and soundtracks during the 1970s.It was founded in 1964 by Bob Shad, and in its early history reissued material from Commodore Records and Time Records in addition to some new jazz material...
to release an album of Cole’s original material, but Shad failed to show interest. Frustrated by this setback, Lonshein started his own record label, Concentric Records, in 1966. When Cole’s "A Point of View" album was finally released on Concentric in 1967, it sold quite well in the New York City area, where he had earned a following mainly through his performances at Jilly's. The album was a remarkable disc of original songs that was an underground sensation for its brash, jazzy up-tunes and some dark ballads including the somber closer, "Growing Old."
At about this time, after hearing author Jerry Jeff Walker play a yet-to-be recorded composition called "Mr. Bojangles," in a light, folk style at a Greenwich Village club, Cole decided to cover it as a contemplative ballad. A recording of the song was later released on Concentric in 1968. This would be the label’s only 7-inch release. Lonshein licensed the master to Date records as well for better distribution and it began to take off. Unfortunately, the single came out at exactly the same time as Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker
Jerry Jeff Walker is an American country music singer and songwriter. He is probably most famous for writing the song "Mr. Bojangles.-Biography:...
’s version. Cole's single "Mr. Bojangles" was released in the summer of 1968 on Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
. Cole and Walker's versions battled to a draw inside the Top 100. But it would be Cole's arrangement later used by everyone from Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Samuel George "Sammy" Davis Jr. was an American entertainer and was also known for his impersonations of actors and other celebrities....
to George Burns
George Burns
George Burns , born Nathan Birnbaum, was an American comedian, actor, and writer.He was one of the few entertainers whose career successfully spanned vaudeville, film, radio, television and movies, with and without his wife, Gracie Allen. His arched eyebrow and cigar smoke punctuation became...
.
As both versions were slowly creeping up the charts in the summer of 1968, a frustrated Bob Shad
Bob Shad
Bob Shad was an American music producer and record label owner. He produced the first album by Big Brother and the Holding Company...
, thinking he had missed out on an opportunity for a long-awaited hit, hypocritically chastised Lonshein for not releasing the single on Mainstream
Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records was an American record label, which released jazz, rock music, and soundtracks during the 1970s.It was founded in 1964 by Bob Shad, and in its early history reissued material from Commodore Records and Time Records in addition to some new jazz material...
. Lonshein left Mainstream
Mainstream Records
Mainstream Records was an American record label, which released jazz, rock music, and soundtracks during the 1970s.It was founded in 1964 by Bob Shad, and in its early history reissued material from Commodore Records and Time Records in addition to some new jazz material...
as a result of this incident and took a job at an all-night record store and awoke early each morning to produce tapes with Cole. Lonshein brought the tapes to the attention of his old friend Phil Picone who at the time was working for MGM. The label expressed some interest, but the contract was too strict for the alcoholic Cole.
A skilled arranger and composer, he sometimes tried a change of pace. Between 1973 and 1975 he toured Europe with the Louis Falco Dance Company. Ruggedly attractive, possessing an imposing Brando
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando, Jr. was an American movie star and political activist. "Unchallenged as the most important actor in modern American Cinema" according to the St...
-like set of wry frowns and challenging smiles, Bobby was married and divorced several times. His trademark was his strong, jangling piano style (Errol Garner being an influence) and his unique, rasping delivery which was evidence of his cigarette habit and the nearly forty years spent in smoky nightclubs.
When Bobby turned up in 1992 for what would be a four year tenure at Campagnola, New York Times commented that he was the type of singer/pianist who could "create the kind of romantic aura generated in films like Casablanca
Casablanca (film)
Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, and featuring Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson. Set during World War II, it focuses on a man torn between, in...
." As mentioned on the illfolks.blogspot.com, Bobby's rugged lifestyle included too much smoking and drinking, which was a factor in his death. As there was no autopsy, next of kin were told that the probable cause of death was a heart attack. He did not fall on a sidewalk and hit his head as has been erroneously reported.
Discography
- NEW NEW NEW (1960)
- A Point of View (1966)
- Mr. BojanglesMr. BojanglesMr. Bojangles may refer to:* Bill Robinson, African-American tap dance performer, also known as Mr. Bojangles* Mr. Bojangles , a song written by Jerry Jeff Walker, covered by several artists**Mr...
(1968)