Phil Schwartz

 
Phil Schwartz

Labels: Imperial, Standard, QRS

Born: 3 November 1889, Chicago, Illinois

Died: 22 July 1964, Los Angeles, California

A prolific composer in the popular genre, Schwartz maintained his 'day job' as a garment manufacturer in his father's business until at least 1917 - although listing himself as a composer of music in the 1910 census, this is above a crossed out entry of 'manager - clothing store', and in the WW1 draft he describes himself as 'manufacturer - ladies dresses - D Schwartz & Son' - a business run by his Polish Jewish parents, who had arrived in the USA 5 years before his birth.

Working in the professional department of Victor Kremer Co. in 1906-7, by1908, described as "the popular young piano player", he had joined Remick & Co's Chicago office and shortly afterwards moved to Shapiro, back to Remick, and by 1911 to Laemelle Music Co.

He served in WW1 and by 1919 was at Witmarks, where publicity mentions his 'skill at the ivories made possible his admission to the ranks of real American composers when he was still in his 'teens'. Amongst his colleagues was Zez Confrey and Imperial roll artist Al Eldridge.

He accompanied Ruth Etting for four years, including on some Columbia records. In the mid to late 1920s he was also beloved by Station KYW Chicago listeners as 'Uncle Phil', pianist and announcer.

He married Amelia Lippe (b.1906) in 1939 and adopted her daughter Rose. In 1935 they're listed as living in Kings, NY but by 1940 were in Jackson Heights, Chicago.

During Korean War, as general manager and accompanist for the Hollywood Coordinating Committee, he worked with many stars of the time, such as Howard Keel, Shirley Temple, and Bob Hope.

Still active as an accompanist as late as 1964, a young singer recalled him in the 1950s as a "little man who spoke in a deep, gravely 'dat, dem, an' dose' voice while perpetually holding a large unlit cigar firmly between his teeth". In 1962 he was accompany Rudy Valee in night clubs 

He died in Los Angeles, but is buried with his parents at Rosehill Cemetery and Mausoleum in Chicago.