Gus Arnheim & His Orchestra - Feelin' Good

2009-10-04 1

Gus Arnheim (1897-1955) was an early popular band leader. He is noted for writing several songs with his first hit being I Cried for You from 1923. He was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. He also had a few small acting roles. In 1919 three men who all would become famous band leaders played together at the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California. Arnheim played piano, Abe Lyman played the drums, and Henry Halstead played violin. In 1930-31, Arnheim had an engagement at the Coconut Grove in LA. When Whiteman finished filming The King of Jazz, The Rhythm Boys vocal trio, consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker decided to stay in California and they signed up with Arnheim's band. Arnheim's Orchestra backed Crosby on a number of songs released in 1931. These records, coupled with Arnheim's radio broadcasts featuring Crosby's vocals, were a key element to the beginning of Crosby's popularity. This sparkling record was made in 1929. The vocalists remained uncredited.