Vere's Tunes

Established to administer the original compositions of respected jazz pianist and vocalist Charles LaVere, including "Boogaboo Blues", "It's All In Your Mind", "Love Lies" and "Very 8'n Boogie". (affiliated with ASCAP)

CHARLES LaVERE

(birth name: Charles LaVere Johnson) Born: Salina, Kansas, July 18, 1910 - Died: Ramona, California, April 28, 1983

• piano / saxophone / trombone /cornet / accordion / vocals / arranger / composer

Piano from the age of seven, began professional career with a cousin, Stan Weis, as 'Dan and Stan'. Published first composition, "Please Don't Go Away", Salina, Kansas, 1928. To Oklahoma City (1928), played alto sax (with Charlie Teagarden on trumpet) in Herb Cook's Oklahoma Joy Boys.

Left Oklahoma University for Summer tour with Frank Williams and his Oklahomans, was stranded in New York, played with Etzi Covato in Pittsburgh (1929). Gigged around Oklahoma City (1930-2) with own bands and those of Clarence Tackett, Johnny Dorchester (playing trombone), Rabie Cummins, Boyd Schreffler, Goof Moyer and Tracy-Brown; also toured twice with Marshall Van Pool (replacing Stanley Wrightsman). To Bermuda with Sam Robbins (1931), playing trombone before the Prince of Wales; later toured with Roy Ingraham, and Freddie Bergin (replacing Bob Zurke). To Chicago late 1932, led own bands and with those of Wingy Manone and Jack Teagarden on first records (1933). With Joe Marsala (1934), also toured Texas and the mid-west with Eddie Neibauer and Dell Coon. First recorded composition, 1935: "The Blues Have Got Me", Harlem Hot Shots (Wingy Manone).

Led own all-star recording group in Chicago (1935): Preston Jackson, Joe Marsala, Boyce Brown, Jess Stacy, Zutty Singleton, and Jabbo Smith, with whom he sang and recorded his composition, Boogaboo Blues, the first inter-racial blues vocal recording in the history of jazz. Did radio work (1935-7) with Rico Marcelli (duo-pianos with Dave Rose), played trumpet with pianist Joe Sanders (1935), then piano with trumpeter Henry Busse!

To New York in 1937, accompanied Bert Froman, then joined Paul Whiteman, with whom he was featured with Jack & Charlie Teagarden in "Teagarden, LaVere & Teagarden, the Swing Wing Trio" until early 1938. In Los Angeles joined Frank Trumbauer (1938), then began extensive work in radio and recording studios in Hollywood first with Skinnay Ennis, then Victor Young, John Scott Trotter and Gordon Jenkins, regularly accompanying Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Dick Haymes and a host of other stars (1939-50). Also with Johnny Cascales (later known as Johnny Richards) (1939) and John Riley Scott (1940) as well as his own solo residencies during this period. Had million-seller record (1948) as vocalist on Gordon Jenkins' first hit, 'Maybe You'll Be There'. Led own LaVere's Chicago Loopers (1944-50) on records and at 1949 Dixieland Jubilee.

From 1950-4 worked regularly with Country Washburne on Curt Massey-Martha Tilton radio program, also performed and recorded with the Sextet from Hunger and performed with Johnny Lucas. Co-wrote (with Tom Adair) and performed 'Golden Horseshoe Revue' at Disneyland (1955-60), winning its place as the most performed stage show in the Guinness Book of World Records. Recorded as blues vocalist on "The Letter" with Judy Garland (1958). Toured as accompanist for George Burns (1959-60), then led own quintet (with Deane Kincaide) in New York (1960-1).

Moved to Las Vegas (1961) and reorganized Bobcats for Bob Crosby, later with Wingy Manone (1963), duo with Danny Sherrett, and many solo residencies. To Southern California (1963), more solo spots and spell with Jack Coon, also assistant conductor at Melodyland Theatre. Played piano (and accordion!) on two cruises to Australia and the South Seas. With Russ Morgan in Las Vegas as pianist and arranger (1967), then organized own piano-repair and tuning service in Southern California. Later solo residencies in California, Oregon and Colorado resort areas.