Lou Busch
Encyclopedia
Louis Ferdinand Busch was a music producer, musician and songwriter who was best known for performing as a pianist
under the nickname Joe "Fingers" Carr.
during the ragtime
era and the jazz
age. The family name was Bush, but he later added the "c" largely for the uniqueness. Blessed with an inherent music talent, he was already leading a ragtime
and jazz
band Lou Bush and His Tickle Toe Four, by the time he was 12 years old.
At 16, he left school and home for a career as a professional musician, playing with the likes of "Hot Lips" Henry Busse
, Clyde McCoy
and George Olson. After a few years on the road, his desire to learn more about music theory led him to study at the Cincinnati Music Conservatory in Ohio
in the early 1930s.
Following his music education break, Busch became the pianist for Hal Kemp
's "sweet music" band for the remainder of the 1930s. Lou also honed his arranging skills, being offered an arranging position when arranger John Scott Trotter left the band in 1936. This position was shared with another key arranger, Hal Mooney, and was invaluable experience for both of them. After Kemp died in a car crash in 1940 and the group disbanded, Busch and Mooney made their way to California
to work as studio musicians and whatever gigs they could find. This was interrupted by World War II
, where Lou spent three years in the Army
.
, Busch decided to dive back into the music business. It was around this time that singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer
was recruiting artists and employees for his recently formed label, Capitol Records
, so Busch was hired for the radio
transcription service in 1946. He was in charge of production of promotional radio shows featuring Capitol artists for distribution to stations around the country.
By 1949 he had been promoted to A&R
(Artist and repertoire) man. During this time, he also served as a pianist for studio groups, backing singers such as Peggy Lee
, "Tennessee" Ernie Ford
and Jo Stafford
. Busch was married for a number of years to actress Janet Blair. After their divorce, he married singer Margaret Whiting
, and they had a daughter, Debbi. She was the only child either of them ever had.
One summer, Busch backed singer Jo Stafford
and conductor Paul Weston
on the hit record Ragtime Cowboy Joe
. The success encouraged both him and the label to release his own original single, Ivory Rag, early in 1950. It was the first piece incorporated into the Crazy Otto Medley by German pianist Fritz Schulz-Reichel, which was later associated with Johnny Maddox
in the U.S.
Busch decided to produce some records, and recorded pieces by himself, Ray Turner
and Marvin Ash
for Honky Tonk Piano, released in late 1950. The Honky-Tonk reference, more often identified as a Country Music
term, is likely in conjunction with the type of "joint" in which the music was played, but the sound of the piano might also apply, as they sometimes used hardened hammers or detuning to alter the tone. However, instead of just piano, Busch and company followed the lead of the traditional jazz revivalists of the late 1940s and added percussion and bass.
Taking on the personality of Joe "Fingers" Carr, Busch released a succession of ragtime albums and singles throughout the 1950s that remained popular well into the mid 1960s. Capitol pushed the nostalgic Carr image with the derby and the cigar more so than Busch. It was during that period, 1962, he formed Burning Bush Music ASCAP.
His biggest hits from the 1950s include Portuguese Washerwomen,
Sam's Song, a cover of Del Wood
's version of Down Yonder, and the international hit Zambezi. Some of the singles include his vocal backup group, the cleverly-named The Carr Hopps. Often overlooked are several mainstream and jazz sides he recorded as Lou Busch, featuring exciting band or orchestral arrangements.
One Busch collaboration with Milton DeLugg
, Rollercoaster, became the closing theme of the TV panel show What's My Line?
for the entirety of its original network run, from 1950 to 1967.
where he took on the same general responsibilities. Busch returned to arranging and conducting responsibilities again, one of the most notable being the musical force behind comic singer Allan Sherman
. A few later albums were released on the ragtime-centric DOT label, and in the late 1970s he produced one more effort with friend and jazz pianist Lincoln Mayorga
, complete with a couple of new tunes, The Brinkerhoff Piano Company.
Busch never fully retired from music, and married a third time to Nita Archambeau, a music clearance specialist. They were both good friends of Capitol artist Stan Kenton
and his wife, Audrey.
on September 19, 1979, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile crash. He was interred in the Westwood Village Mortuary near UCLA.
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...
under the nickname Joe "Fingers" Carr.
Biography
Louis Bush was born and raised in Louisville, KentuckyLouisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
during the ragtime
Ragtime
Ragtime is an original musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm. It began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before being published...
era and the jazz
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...
age. The family name was Bush, but he later added the "c" largely for the uniqueness. Blessed with an inherent music talent, he was already leading a ragtime
Ragtime
Ragtime is an original musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or "ragged," rhythm. It began as dance music in the red-light districts of American cities such as St. Louis and New Orleans years before being published...
and jazz
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...
band Lou Bush and His Tickle Toe Four, by the time he was 12 years old.
At 16, he left school and home for a career as a professional musician, playing with the likes of "Hot Lips" Henry Busse
Henry Busse
Henry Busse Sr. was a jazz trumpeter known for work with sweet bands and big bands.-Early life:Born May 19, 1894 to a generational German Band family. Henry Busse studied violin and then trumpet under his Oompah Band leader uncle...
, Clyde McCoy
Clyde McCoy
Clyde McCoy , was a jazz trumpet player whose popularity spanned seven decades. He is best remembered for his theme song, "Sugar Blues", written by Clarence Williams and Lucy Fletcher...
and George Olson. After a few years on the road, his desire to learn more about music theory led him to study at the Cincinnati Music Conservatory in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
in the early 1930s.
Following his music education break, Busch became the pianist for Hal Kemp
Hal Kemp
James Harold "Hal" Kemp was a jazz alto saxophonist, clarinetist, bandleader, composer, and arranger. He was born in Marion, Alabama and died in Madera, California following an auto accident...
's "sweet music" band for the remainder of the 1930s. Lou also honed his arranging skills, being offered an arranging position when arranger John Scott Trotter left the band in 1936. This position was shared with another key arranger, Hal Mooney, and was invaluable experience for both of them. After Kemp died in a car crash in 1940 and the group disbanded, Busch and Mooney made their way to California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
to work as studio musicians and whatever gigs they could find. This was interrupted by World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, where Lou spent three years in the Army
Army
An army An army An army (from Latin arma "arms, weapons" via Old French armée, "armed" (feminine), in the broadest sense, is the land-based military of a nation or state. It may also include other branches of the military such as the air force via means of aviation corps...
.
Capitol Records
After his tour of dutyTour of duty
In the Navy, a tour of duty is a period of time spent performing operational duties at sea, including combat, performing patrol or fleet duties, or assigned to service in a foreign country....
, Busch decided to dive back into the music business. It was around this time that singer-songwriter Johnny Mercer
Johnny Mercer
John Herndon "Johnny" Mercer was an American lyricist, songwriter and singer. He is best known as a lyricist, but he also composed music. He was also a popular singer who recorded his own songs as well as those written by others...
was recruiting artists and employees for his recently formed label, Capitol Records
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...
, so Busch was hired for the radio
Radio
Radio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
transcription service in 1946. He was in charge of production of promotional radio shows featuring Capitol artists for distribution to stations around the country.
By 1949 he had been promoted to A&R
A&R
Artists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
(Artist and repertoire) man. During this time, he also served as a pianist for studio groups, backing singers such as Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee was an American jazz and popular music singer, songwriter, composer, and actress in a career spanning six decades. From her beginning as a vocalist on local radio to singing with Benny Goodman's big band, she forged a sophisticated persona, evolving into a multi-faceted artist and...
, "Tennessee" Ernie Ford
Tennessee Ernie Ford
Ernest Jennings Ford , better known as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was an American recording artist and television host who enjoyed success in the country and Western, pop, and gospel musical genres...
and Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford
Jo Elizabeth Stafford was an American singer of traditional pop music and jazz standards and occasional actress whose career ran from the late 1930s to the early 1960s...
. Busch was married for a number of years to actress Janet Blair. After their divorce, he married singer Margaret Whiting
Margaret Whiting
Margaret Whiting was a singer of American popular music and country music who first made her reputation during the 1940s and 1950s.-Youth:...
, and they had a daughter, Debbi. She was the only child either of them ever had.
One summer, Busch backed singer Jo Stafford
Jo Stafford
Jo Elizabeth Stafford was an American singer of traditional pop music and jazz standards and occasional actress whose career ran from the late 1930s to the early 1960s...
and conductor Paul Weston
Paul Weston
Paul Weston was an American pianist, arranger, composer and conductor. Weston was born Paul Wetstein in Springfield, Massachusetts...
on the hit record Ragtime Cowboy Joe
Ragtime Cowboy Joe
"Ragtime Cowboy Joe" is a popular song lyrics by Grant Clarke, music by Lewis F. Muir and Maurice Abrahams. © 1912, F.A. Mills, 122 W. 36th St, New York....
. The success encouraged both him and the label to release his own original single, Ivory Rag, early in 1950. It was the first piece incorporated into the Crazy Otto Medley by German pianist Fritz Schulz-Reichel, which was later associated with Johnny Maddox
Johnny Maddox
Johnny Maddox is a ragtime pianist and collector of ragtime memorabilia.His interest in the era of ragtime and blues was fueled by his Aunt Zula Cothron. She played ragtime piano at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis, and taught Johnny to play...
in the U.S.
Busch decided to produce some records, and recorded pieces by himself, Ray Turner
Ray Turner
Professor Raymond Turner is an English logician and theoretical computer scientist based at the University of Essex. He is best known for his work on logic in computer science and for his pioneering work in the philosophy of computer science...
and Marvin Ash
Marvin Ash
Marvin Ash was the professional pseudonym used by pianist Marvin E. Ashbaugh .Marvin Ash was a remarkable and under-recorded New Orleans style pianist who actually spent much of his life wanting to visit the Crescent City, making him all that much more remarkable for his playing gifts...
for Honky Tonk Piano, released in late 1950. The Honky-Tonk reference, more often identified as a Country Music
Country music
Country music is a popular American musical style that began in the rural Southern United States in the 1920s. It takes its roots from Western cowboy and folk music...
term, is likely in conjunction with the type of "joint" in which the music was played, but the sound of the piano might also apply, as they sometimes used hardened hammers or detuning to alter the tone. However, instead of just piano, Busch and company followed the lead of the traditional jazz revivalists of the late 1940s and added percussion and bass.
Taking on the personality of Joe "Fingers" Carr, Busch released a succession of ragtime albums and singles throughout the 1950s that remained popular well into the mid 1960s. Capitol pushed the nostalgic Carr image with the derby and the cigar more so than Busch. It was during that period, 1962, he formed Burning Bush Music ASCAP.
His biggest hits from the 1950s include Portuguese Washerwomen,
Sam's Song, a cover of Del Wood
Del Wood
Polly Adelaide Hendricks Hazelwood , known professionally as Del Wood, was an American pianist.-Biography:...
's version of Down Yonder, and the international hit Zambezi. Some of the singles include his vocal backup group, the cleverly-named The Carr Hopps. Often overlooked are several mainstream and jazz sides he recorded as Lou Busch, featuring exciting band or orchestral arrangements.
One Busch collaboration with Milton DeLugg
Milton DeLugg
Milton DeLugg is an American composer and arranger.-Biography:A talented accordionist, he appeared in short Soundies musicals and occasional movies . He quickly became a successful arranger and composer...
, Rollercoaster, became the closing theme of the TV panel show What's My Line?
What's My Line?
What's My Line? is a panel game show which originally ran in the United States on the CBS Television Network from 1950 to 1967, with several international versions and subsequent U.S. revivals. The game tasked celebrity panelists with questioning contestants in order to determine their occupations....
for the entirety of its original network run, from 1950 to 1967.
Warner Brothers Records
Busch eventually left Capitol for Warner Bros. RecordsWarner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
where he took on the same general responsibilities. Busch returned to arranging and conducting responsibilities again, one of the most notable being the musical force behind comic singer Allan Sherman
Allan Sherman
Allan Sherman was an American comedy writer and television producer who became famous as a song parodist in the early 1960s. His first album, My Son, the Folk Singer , became the fastest-selling record album up to that time...
. A few later albums were released on the ragtime-centric DOT label, and in the late 1970s he produced one more effort with friend and jazz pianist Lincoln Mayorga
Lincoln Mayorga
Lincoln Mayorga is an American pianist, arranger, conductor and composer who has worked in rock and roll, pop, jazz and classical music.-Pop music in the 1950s and 60s:...
, complete with a couple of new tunes, The Brinkerhoff Piano Company.
Busch never fully retired from music, and married a third time to Nita Archambeau, a music clearance specialist. They were both good friends of Capitol artist Stan Kenton
Stan Kenton
Stanley Newcomb "Stan" Kenton was a pianist, composer, and arranger who led a highly innovative, influential, and often controversial American jazz orchestra. In later years he was widely active as an educator....
and his wife, Audrey.
Death
In the late 1970s, Busch did some live performances with Mayorga and others in Southern California. He died in Camarillo, CaliforniaCamarillo, California
Camarillo is a city in Ventura County, California, United States. The population was 65,201 at the 2010 census, up from 57,084 at the 2000 census. The Ventura Freeway Camarillo is a city in Ventura County, California, United States. The population was 65,201 at the 2010 census, up from 57,084 at...
on September 19, 1979, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile crash. He was interred in the Westwood Village Mortuary near UCLA.
Albums
| Album | Record |
|---|---|
| Bar Room Piano | Capitol |
| Rough House Piano | Capitol |
| And his ragtime band | Capitol |
| Plays the classics | Capitol |
| Mr. Ragtime | Capitol |
| Honkey Tonk Street Parade | Capitol |
| The Hits of Joe Fingers Carr | Capitol |
| The worlds greatest ragtime piano player | Warner Bros |
| Brassy Piano | Warner Bros |
| The Riotous, Raucous Red-Hot 20s | Warner Bros |
| Together for the Last Time (with Ira Ironstrings) | Warner Bros |