Tuesday, 7 November 2017

Bill Snyder born 7 November 1916


Bill Snyder also known as William P. Snyder (November 7, 1916 – Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, May 11, 2011) was an American pianist, bandleader and songwriter of the 1950s.

Bill Snyder, "America's most recorded pianist," began his multifaceted career as a child prodigy. His impressive academic background includes studies with the now legendary Moritz Rosenthal in Paris and Chicago's own Rudolph Ganz. Bill served in the Air Force during the Second World War.
 
                              
Snyder zoomed into national prominence as a recording artist with his first record, "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," from the Rodgers and Hart Musical, "Pal Joey," which held the number one spot and sold well into the millions. He conducted, arranged and performed musicals in the famed College Inn in the Sherman House in Chicago, musicals that included "Salute to Cole Porter" and the "Salute to Rodgers and Hammerstein" shows.
Through the 1950s Snyder was America's most recorded light music pianist with nine gold awards and one platinum award for his singles and albums. He toured around the United States and Canada for Columbia Artists Management as a concert attraction in the Community Concert series. He appeared with symphony orchestras and performed such well known works as Gershwin's, "Rhapsody in Blue," Franz Listz's "Hungarian Fantasy" and some of his own compositions.
After performing 75 years, Bill Snyder joyfully retired with his beloved wife, Marion, in the lovely city of Fond du Lac, Wis.,and died Nov. 5, 2011.at the age of 95.

1 comment:

boppinbob said...

As you can see there's not much about Bill Snyder on the web. But I have got this great 2 on 1 CD from Vocalion.

For Bill Snyder “Treasure Chest“ & “Bewitching Hour“ go here:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/mo9hc79hocc120f/Bill+Snyder.rar
Treasure Chest (1958)

1 Amber Fire 2:29
2 Turquoise 3:34
3 Diamond Dust 2:52
4 Golden Earrings 3:10
5 Ruby 3:37
6 Jade 3:18
7 Sapphire 2:18
8 Topaz 3:27
9 Golden Sands And Silvery Seas 2:54
10 Pearls On Velvet 2:58
11 Baubles, Bangles And Beads 2:48
12 Ivory Lace 2:10

Bewitching Hour (1958)

13 Bewitched 3:10
14 Soft Lights And Sweet Music 3:20
15 Cocktails For Two 3:15
16 I Dream Of You (More Than You Dream I Do) 3:27
17 The Nearness Of You 3:35
18 The Night Was Made For Love 3:02
19 Take Me In Your Arms 3:17
20 Speak Low 3:31
21 Temptation 2:46
22 You're Mine, You! 3:16
23 Why Can't This Night Go On Forever 3:05
24 Let's Put Out The Lights And Go To Sleep 2:23

A big thanks to my good radio colleague Martin for sharing this album