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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCOLUMBO, Russ(b '08; d 2 Sep. '34) Singer, songwriter, also played violin, accordion. Joined Gus Arnheim band at LA's Coconut Grove '29; Arnheim also signed the Rhythm Boys with Bing Crosby; the 'crooners' Crosby and Columbo later became rivals. Columbo led his own band '31, soon became a sensation with his silky ballad style: co-wrote theme 'You Call It Madness', 'Let's Pretend There's A Moon', others incl. 'Prisoner Of Love', recorded by Crosby, the Ink Spots, Columbo, many others (no. 1 for Perry Como '46). Toured USA, Europe; made short films, and features demanding more singing than acting: Broadway Through A Keyhole '33, Moulin Rouge and Wake Up And Dream '34 (latter incl. 'Too Beautiful For Words'). Killed in a bizarre accident; a friend using an ancient pair of duelling pistols as paperweights, struck a match on one that turned out to be loaded. |