Bob Zurke

Bob Zurke (January 7, 1912 – February 16, 1944) was an American jazz pianist, arranger, composer and briefly a bandleader during the Swing era.

Birth and Death Data: Born January 7, 1912 (Detroit), Died February 16, 1944 (Los Angeles)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1936 - 1940

Roles Represented in DAHR: piano, director, composer, arranger

Notes: His nickname, "The Ole Tom Cat of the Keys," appears on disc labels and Victor ledgers.

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BS-038282 10-in. 7/18/1939 Southern exposure Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band director, composer  
Victor BS-038283 10-in. 7/18/1939 It's me again Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-038284 10-in. 7/18/1939 Each time you say goodbye (I die a little) Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-038285 10-in. 7/18/1939 Hobson Street blues Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band director, composer  
Victor BS-040451 10-in. 9/26/1939 Faithful forever Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-040452 10-in. 9/26/1939 Tom-cat on the keys Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band director, composer, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-040453 10-in. 9/26/1939 It's a hap-hap-happy day Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-040454 10-in. 9/26/1939 Everybody step Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-041536 10-in. 8/10/1939 Melancholy mood Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo arranger, director  
Victor BS-041537 10-in. 8/10/1939 Between the devil and the deep blue sea Bob Zurke Orchestra ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director  
Victor BS-041538 10-in. 8/10/1939 Honky tonk train Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band arranger, director  
Victor BS-041539 10-in. 8/10/1939 I found a new baby Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band arranger, director  
Victor BS-043995 10-in. 12/15/1939 Somebody told me Delta Rhythm Boys ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-043996 10-in. 12/15/1939 Between 18th and 19th on Chestnut Street Sterling Bose ; Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-043997 10-in. 12/15/1939 Pinch me Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-043998 10-in. 12/15/1939 Holy smoke (Can't ya take a joke?) Delta Rhythm Band ; Gus Ehrman ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-043999 10-in. 12/15/1939 Nickle nabber blues Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band composer, instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044030 10-in. 10/30/1939 Fit to be tied Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044031 10-in. 10/20/1939 Peach Tree Street Sterling Bose ; Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044032 10-in. 10/20/1939 Cuban boogie woogie Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044033 10-in. 10/20/1939 On a little street in Singapore Delta Rhythm Band ; Claire Martin ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044633 10-in. 1/18/1940 You hit my heart with a bang Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044634 10-in. 1/18/1940 Tea for two Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044635 10-in. 1/18/1940 Put your little foot there Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-044636 10-in. 1/18/1940 I love you much too much Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-046000 10-in. 12/15/1939 I want my mama Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo instrumentalist, piano, director  
Victor BS-050534 10-in. 5/8/1940 I'm losing my mind (Because of you) Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-050535 10-in. 5/8/1940 Cow Cow blues Delta Rhythm Band ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-050536 10-in. 5/8/1940 Rhumboogie Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director, instrumentalist, piano  
Victor BS-050537 10-in. 5/8/1940 I bought a wooden whistle Delta Rhythm Band ; Evelyn Poe ; Bob Zurke Jazz/dance band, with female vocal solo director, instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61148 10-in. 6/9/1936 On the beach at Bali-Bali Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61149 10-in. 6/9/1936 Swing me a lullaby Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61150 10-in. 6/9/1936 I met my Waterloo Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61151 10-in. 6/9/1936 You can call it swing Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61162 10-in. 6/12/1936 Pagan love song Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61163 10-in. 6/12/1936 Come back, sweet Papa Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61164 10-in. 6/12/1936 Sugar foot strut-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61165 10-in. 6/12/1936 Stornpin' at the Savoy Bob Crosby Orchestra ; Judy Garland instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61166 10-in. 6/12/1936 Swing Mr. Charlie Bob Crosby Orchestra ; Judy Garland instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61180 10-in. 6/16/1936 Guess who Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61181 10-in. 6/16/1936 Cross patch Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61182 10-in. 6/16/1936 Big Chief De Soto Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61183 10-in. 6/16/1936 Marry has a little lamb Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61184 10-in. 6/16/1936 Savoy blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61213 10-in. 8/19/1936 My kingdom for a kiss Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61214 10-in. 8/19/1936 Through the courtesy of love Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61215 10-in. 8/19/1936 Peter piper Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61216 10-in. 8/19/1936 Woman on my weary mind Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61217 10-in. 8/19/1936 Royal garden blues-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61589 10-in. 2/8/1937 The old spinning wheel Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61590 10-in. 2/8/1937 Gin mill blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61591 10-in. 2/8/1937 If I had you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 61592 10-in. 2/8/1937 Between the devil and the deep blue sea Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 62340 10-in. 7/7/1937 Whispers in the dark Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 62341 10-in. 7/7/1937 Stop, you're breaking my heart Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 62342 10-in. 7/7/1937 The loveliness of you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 62343 10-in. 7/7/1937 You can't have everything Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63240 10-in. 2/3/1938 It's wonderful Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63241 10-in. 2/3/1938 In the shade of the old apple tree Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63242 10-in. 2/3/1938 Always and always Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63243 10-in. 2/3/1938 More than ever Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63244 10-in. 2/3/1938 It's easier said than done Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63268 10-in. 2/10/1938 Please be kind Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63269 10-in. 2/10/1938 I simply adore you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63270 10-in. 2/10/1938 You're an education Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63271 10-in. 2/10/1938 Grand Terrace rhythm Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63272 10-in. 2/10/1938 Wolverine blues-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63380 10-in. 3/9/1938 Jezebel Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63383 10-in. 3/9/1938 Do ye ken John Peel? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63384 10-in. 3/9/1938 How can you forget? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63385 10-in. 3/9/1938 There's a boy in Harlem Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63386 10-in. 3/10/1938 Yancey special Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63387 10-in. 3/10/1938 Louise, Louise Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63388 10-in. 3/10/1938 At the jazz band ball-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63389 10-in. 3/10/1938 Milk cow blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63390 10-in. 3/10/1938 Tea for two Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63395 10-in. 3/10/1938 Down on the levee Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63396 10-in. 3/10/1938 Old man Ben Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63423 10-in. 3/14/1938 March of the Bob Cats Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63424 10-in. 3/14/1938 Palesteena Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63425 10-in. 3/14/1938 Slow mood Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63426 10-in. 3/14/1938 Big foot jump Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63427 10-in. 3/14/1938 The big crash from China Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 63428 10-in. 3/14/1938 Five point blues Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64927 10-in. 1/23/1939 Skaters waltz in swingtime Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64928 10-in. 1/23/1939 Stomp off, let's go Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64929 10-in. 1/23/1939 Smokey Mary Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64930 10-in. 1/23/1939 South Rampart Street parade Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64931 10-in. 1/23/1939 Song of the wanderer Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64932 10-in. 1/23/1939 Cherry Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64933 10-in. 1/23/1939 Eye opener Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64988 10-in. 2/6/1939 Begin the beguine The Andrews Sisters ; Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64989 10-in. 2/6/1939 Hindustan Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64990 10-in. 2/6/1939 Long time no see The Andrews Sisters ; Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 64991 10-in. 2/6/1939 Mournin' blues Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca C 91511 10-in. 10/14/1938 You must have been a beautiful baby Bing Crosby instrumentalist, piano  
Decca C 91512 10-in. 10/14/1938 Old folks Bing Crosby instrumentalist, piano  
Decca C 91513 10-in. 10/14/1938 My reverie Bing Crosby instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91514 10-in. 10/14/1938 Speak to me of love-2 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91515 10-in. 10/14/1938 Big bass viol-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91516 10-in. 10/14/1938 I hear you talking Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91517 10-in. 10/14/1938 Call me a taxi Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91533 10-in. 10/19/1938 Swingin' at the Sugar Bowl Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91534 10-in. 10/19/1938 I'm prayin' humble-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91535 10-in. 10/19/1938 I'm free What's new? De. 2205, De. 25441, De. 9-25441, De. DL-5191)-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91536 10-in. 10/19/1938 Honky tonk train blues-1 (Honky tonk train De. 25117) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91537 10-in. 10/19/1938 What have you got that gets me? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91538 10-in. 10/19/1938 Diga diga doo, part 1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91539 10-in. 10/19/1938 Diga diga doo, part 2 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91540 10-in. 10/20/1938 Two sleepy people Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91541 10-in. 10/20/1938 Wait till my heart finds out Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91542 10-in. 10/20/1938 Hurry home Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91543 10-in. 10/20/1938 My inspiration-1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91544 10-in. 10/20/1938 You're lovely, Madame Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91549 10-in. 10/21/1938 Deep in a dream Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91550 10-in. 10/21/1938 Summertime Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91551 10-in. 10/21/1938 Loopin' the loop Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91683 10-in. 3/29/1939 Don' t worry ' bout me Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91684 10-in. 3/29/1939 I never knew heaven could speak Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91685 10-in. 3/29/1939 If I were sure of you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91686 10-in. 3/29/1939 Strange enchantment Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91687 10-in. 3/30/1939 What goes up must come down Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91688 10-in. 3/30/1939 That sentimental sandwich Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91689 10-in. 3/30/1939 At a little hot- dog stand Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91690 10-in. 3/30/1939 If I didn' t care Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91695 10-in. 4/7/1939 When the red, red robin comes bob, bob, bobbin' along Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91696 10-in. 4/7/1939 Them there eyes Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91697 10-in. 4/7/1939 Hang your heart on a hickory limb Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91698 10-in. 4/7/1939 Sing a song of sunbeams Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91709 10-in. 4/14/1939 Only when you' re in my arms Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca 91710 10-in. 4/11/1939 The lady's in love with You Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1015 10-in. 11/5/1937 Nice work if you can get it Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1016 10-in. 11/5/1937 A foggy day Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1017 10-in. 11/5/1937 I've hitched my wagon to a star Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1018 10-in. 11/5/1937 This never happened before Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1019 10-in. 11/5/1937 Little Rock getaway Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1020 10-in. 11/5/1937 Squeeze me Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1029 10-in. 11/9/1937 Let's give another chance Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1030 10-in. 11/9/1937 Vieni, vieni Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1031 10-in. 11/9/1937 Silhouettes in the moonlight Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1032 10-in. 11/9/1937 I've got a strange new rhythm in my heart Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1033 10-in. 11/9/1937 Why should I care? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1060 10-in. 11/13/1937 Stumbling Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1061 10-in. 11/13/1937 Who's sorry now? Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1062 10-in. 11/13/1937 Coquette Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1063 10-in. 11/13/1937 Fidgety feet Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1064 10-in. 11/13/1937 You're driving me crazy Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1065 10-in. 11/13/1937 Can't we be friends? Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1066 10-in. 11/13/1937 Martha (Ah! So pure) Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1067 10-in. 11/13/1937 Home on the range Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1068 10-in. 11/13/1937 Gypsy love song Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1086 10-in. 11/16/1937 Ah! Sweet mystery of life Connie Boswell instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1087 10-in. 11/16/1937 The thrill of a lifetime Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1088 10-in. 11/16/1937 Be a good sport Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1089 10-in. 11/16/1937 Every day's a holiday Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1090 12-in. 11/16/1937 South Rampart Street parade Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1091 12-in. 11/16/1937 Dogtown blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1092 10-in. 11/16/1937 Sweet someone Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1093 10-in. 11/16/1937 Just strolling Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1094 10-in. 11/16/1937 Panama Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  
Decca DLA 1095 10-in. 11/16/1937 A Big Apple calls (When my dreamboat comes home) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, piano  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Zurke, Bob," accessed May 10, 2024, https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109745.

Zurke, Bob. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved May 10, 2024, from https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109745.

"Zurke, Bob." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 10 May 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adp.library.ucsb.edu/names/109745

External Sources

Wikipedia: Bob Zurke

Discogs: Bob Zurke

Allmusic: Bob Zurke

Grove: Bob Zurke

IMDb: Bob Zurke

Linked Open Data Sources

LCNAR: Zurke, Bob, 1912-1944 - http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/no93028471

Wikidata: Bob Zurke - http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q888343

VIAF: http://viaf.org/viaf/32185044

MusicBrainz: Bob Zurke - https://musicbrainz.org/artist/c7866f68-f8e0-44ac-8098-14d9a0b9dbd8

Wikipedia content provided under the terms of the Creative Commons BY-SA license

Feedback

Send the Editors a message about this record.