Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (1890-1934) was a pianist and orchestra leader. Rodemich was born in St. Louis, son of a dentist, Dr. Henry Rodemich, and wife Rose Rodemich. Gene Rodemich 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 (including six Charlie Chaplin comedies) and for Frank Buck’s first feature-length film, 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, 57 West Fifty-Seventh Street, and died three days later of lobar pneumonia. He is buried in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, New York. A widow, a son, and a daughter survived him. This excellent record was made in 1921.
