[Dixielandjazz] Bob Crosby Leadership

[Marek Boym]

Hello Bill,
I have the feeling that Geraldine knows the short answer.  But,
probably like yours truly, she has read that he fronted the band, but
the band remained a cooperative unit.  So the question "ehen and how
did Bob become the actual owner/leader" still remains.
Cheers

On 25 June 2011 01:41, Bill Haesler <bhaesler at bigpond.net.au> wrote:
> Geraldine Bates wrote [in part]:
>
>> .....After the sidemen from Ben Pollacks disbanded group formed the original  Co-0p band, Gil Rodin hired Crosby as a front man and singer to give the band the highly recognizable Crosby name, based on Bing's huge popularity.  When and how did Bob become the actual owner/leader instead of just another hired hand?
>
> Dear Geraldine,
> The short answer is mid-late May 1935.
> Bob was chosen from a shortlist suggested by Cork O'Keefe of the Rockwell-O'Keefe Agency (the new band's manager) comprising trumpet/vocalist Johnny 'Scat' Davis, trumpet/character Harry 'Goldie' Goldfield and 21-year-old Bob Crosby who was with the Dorsey Brothers Orch, and hating it.
> Following rehearsals the band, under Bob Crosby's name, recorded for Decca on 1st June 1935 and opened at the Roseland Ballroom, Brooklyn, shortly after. Bob's affable compering skill as much as his fine singing ability ensured his, and the band's success. It is a matter of interest that Bob, an independent person, never deliberately traded on his brother's name or success.
> Very kind regards,
> Bill.
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