American pop composer and bandleader
Vincent Rose was active in music from the turn of the century into the early '40s, recording with his orchestra and writing hits (a few of which were used in stage musicals). Born in 1880 in Palermo, Italy,
Rose had extensive musical training before coming to the U.S. in 1897. He got work as a pianist and violinist in Chicago orchestras, then moved to L.A. and worked as music director for a hotel chain.
Rose formed his own orchestra in 1904 and continued working as a bandleader into the early '40s. He collaborated with several songwriters over the years, including Larry Stock,
James Cavanaugh, Raymond Klages, and
Buddy de Sylva.
Rose's first hits came in 1920 with "Whispering" and "Avalon"; the latter was used in the musical Bombo the following year. Other of his best-known tunes include "Linger Awhile" (1923), "Pardon Me, Pretty Baby" (1931), "The Umbrella Man" (1938), and "Blueberry Hill" (1940).
Rose's orchestra recorded sides for various labels, including Victor (mid-'20s), Perfect (early '30s), Mellotone (mid-'30s), and more. This Songwriters Hall of Fame member had his last hit with 1942's "Ma-Ma-Maria"; he died two years later on May 20 in Rockville Center, NY. ~ Joslyn Layne