MARGIE Words by Benny Davis Music by J. Russel Robinson and Con Conrad Performed by Gene Rodemich's Orcheastra Recorded January 1921 Brunswick 2060 Eugene Frederick (Gene) Rodemich (1890 - 1934), was a pianist and orchestra leader of a semi-hot dance band in the early and mid 1920s. 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, and for Frank Buck's first movie, 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, 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.
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