Mike Riley (musician)
Encyclopedia
Mike Riley was an American jazz
trombonist and songwriter. He is best known for co-writing the 1935 song "The Music Goes Round and Round
", one of the biggest hits of that year.
, playing trumpet in Jimmy Durante
's band at the Parody Club. He soon found work in several local bands as a trombonist, then co-led an ensemble with Eddie Farley, with whom he held a regular gig at the Onyx Club
and wrote several songs including "The Music Goes Round and Round". He worked in New York and regionally through the 1940s, then worked in Chicago in the 1950s. Riley led a band which toured North America later in the 1950s and 1960s. He died in Redondo Beach, California
in 1984.
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...
trombonist and songwriter. He is best known for co-writing the 1935 song "The Music Goes Round and Round
The Music Goes Round and Round
-History:The music was written by Edward Farley and Mike Riley, the lyrics by Red Hodgson, and was published in 1935. It was included on the 1961 Ella Fitzgerald album Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie . The song was recorded by Tommy Dorsey and became a hit in 1936. The song was the musical...
", one of the biggest hits of that year.
Biography
Riley's date and place of birth have been the subject of some debate. He played both trumpet and trombone, and by 1927 was working in New York CityNew 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...
, playing trumpet in Jimmy Durante
Jimmy Durante
James Francis "Jimmy" Durante was an American singer, pianist, comedian and actor. His distinctive clipped gravelly speech, comic language butchery, jazz-influenced songs, and large nose helped make him one of America's most familiar and popular personalities of the 1920s through the 1970s...
's band at the Parody Club. He soon found work in several local bands as a trombonist, then co-led an ensemble with Eddie Farley, with whom he held a regular gig at the Onyx Club
Onyx Club (New York City)
The Onyx Club was a jazz club located on West 52d Street in New York City. Founded in 1928 by bootlegger Joe Helbock, the Onyx remained open through the 1940s and during its existence featured many of the jazz greats of the era, including Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan and Art...
and wrote several songs including "The Music Goes Round and Round". He worked in New York and regionally through the 1940s, then worked in Chicago in the 1950s. Riley led a band which toured North America later in the 1950s and 1960s. He died in Redondo Beach, California
Redondo Beach, California
Redondo Beach is one of the three Beach Cities located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. The population was 66,748 at the 2010 census, up from 63,261 at the 2000 census. The city is located in the South Bay region of the greater Los Angeles area.Redondo Beach was originally part of...
in 1984.
Further reading
- [ Mike Riley] at Allmusic