Bob Eberly

Bob Eberly

Source: Memory Lane

Born on 24 July 1916 in Mechanicville, New York, singer Bob Eberly (née Eberle) was elder brother to vocalist, Ray Eberle. Both were minor dance band vocalists creating no big stir, but working with widely popular bands. Much of Bob's appeal was as long-time partner to vocalist, Helen O'Connell. Though Ray, who also played alto sax, participated in considerably more recording than Bob, the latter sold more records.

At age 19 Eberly filled Bob Crosby's vacancy when the latter left the Dorsey Brothers in 1935. 'You're All I Need' (Decca 482) and 'Chasing Shadows' (Decca 476) were his first tracks with the Dorseys from a session on May 27 [Lord]. His last of three sessions with the Dorseys on September 11 begat 'I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin' (Decca 560) and 'You Are My Lucky Star' (Decca 559) before Jimmy and Tommy split up, Eberly to continue with Jimmy.

Bob's initial session with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra was September 19 of 1935, eight days after his last with both Dorseys, yielding 'A Picture of Me Without You' (Decca 571) and 'Me and Marie' (Decca 570). DAHR has Eberly contributing violin to Jimmy's release of 'The Magic of Magnolias' / 'Daydream' (Decca 4047)in 1941. The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra was Eberly's main vessel to 1943, sometimes joining Kitty Kallen at vocals. His last recordings with Jimmy are thought to have been radio broadcasts that December yielding 'Perdido', 'I Got Rhythm' and 'One O'Clock Jump'. He then entered the U.S. Army and was stationed in Chicago, probably serving in 1944 and 1945. Lord picks him up again with Jimmy in Hollywood in September 1946 for the film, 'The Fabulous Dorseys': 'Green Eyes'. That was with Helen O'Connell, they no strangers ever since she joined Jimmy's band in 1939. O'Connell and Eberly would work together in the future with Ray Anthony's orchestra in 1953 on the 'Chesterfield Show'. They also appeared on television together in 1960, singing 'Tangerine' on 'Ford Star Time'. Meanwhile, Eberly's most popular issue had been 'One Has My Name The Other Has My Heart' (Brunswick 04021), reaching #8 on Billboard in 1949.