Gene Rodemich's Orch - Wolverine Blues (1924)

Описание: Wolverine Blues
Words and Music by Ferd Morton, Benjamin Spikes & John Spikes
Gene Rodemich's Orchestra
Recorded June 21, 1923
Brunswick 2455

Wolverine Blues was Jelly Roll Morton's first successful hit, although originally titled "The Wolverines", the Melrose Brothers Publishing Company though it just might do better commercially if the word "blues" was in the title. This recording by Gene Rodemich's Orchestra was one of the earliest versions, along with recordings by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings, Benson Orchestra, Frank Westphal and one by Morton himself on the piano recorded for Gennett in July 1923.

The probable lineup for this performance was Gene Rodemich (p, ldr) Clarence Foster, Charles Werner (cnt), Larry Conley (tb), Bill Bailey (cl, sax), Porter Brown (bj), Jules Silverburg (sax), Otto Reinert (vln), Allister Wylie (p), Paul Spohrleder (d).

Gene Rodemich (1890-1934) was born in St. Louis, and began his musical career in and near his home town as a pianist, later becoming conductor of a dance orchestra. He was accompanist for Elsie Janis on several tours, including one in Europe. Before starting in radio in New York, 1929, he had for three years been director and master of ceremonies at the Metropolitan Theatre, Boston. Rodemich was musical director of Van Beuren Studios, writing music for animated cartoons. He composed for many of the studio's other shorts, and for Frank Buck's first movie, Bring 'Em Back Alive (1932). He also conducted during numerous NBC programs and recorded for Brunswick Records. Rodemich became ill while making a recording with his orchestra, which had been accompanying a National Broadcasting Company program on Sunday nights. He insisted on continuing the recording although he had been stricken with a severe chill. He was taken to the Medical Arts Sanitarium, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia.