Dick Jacobs was a respected figure in American pop music during the 1950s and 1960s. A conductor, arranger, and orchestra leader, he played a key role in shaping the sound of the mid-century pop landscape. Jacobs had a unique ability to bridge traditional orchestration with new musical trends.
He supported rock and roll artists, produced hit records, and led one of the first racially integrated orchestras seen on television. His work with Buddy Holly, Jackie Wilson, and Teresa Brewer helped define an era.
| Full Name | Richard Jacobs |
|---|---|
| Born | March 29, 1918 – New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 28, 1988 – New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Genres | Orchestral Pop, Big Band, Rock and Roll, Space-Age Pop |
| Occupations | Musician, Conductor, Arranger, Producer |
| Labels | Coral, Brunswick, Decca |
| Notable Works | “Petticoats of Portugal”, “Fascination”, “Man with the Golden Arm”, work with Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, Teresa Brewer, McGuire Sisters |
| Published Work | Who Wrote That Song? (1982) |
Early Life and Career
Born on March 29, 1918, in New York City, Jacobs attended New York University. After graduation, he began his music career with the publishing firm Bregman, Vocco & Conn. Like many of his generation, Jacobs served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he joined Tommy Dorsey’s band as an arranger. There, he formed a long-lasting professional friendship with arranger Sy Oliver.
In the early 1950s, Jacobs moved into producing and musical direction. He was hired by Coral Records in 1953, quickly becoming a central figure at the label. He arranged and produced recordings for big names like the McGuire Sisters and Teresa Brewer. His productions featured a blend of pop polish and rich instrumentation.
Television and Integration
In the mid-1950s, Jacobs became the musical director for the television program Your Hit Parade. He reorganized the show’s orchestra, replacing older members with younger, more diverse musicians. This included pianist Dick Hyman, guitarist Al Caiola, woodwind player Jerome Richardson, and drummer Don Lamond.
This ensemble became one of the first racially integrated orchestras on American TV.
Recording Successes
Jacobs found chart success under his own name in the late 1950s. He formed Dick Jacobs and His Orchestra, releasing instrumental pop tunes that gained national popularity.
Notable Singles:
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“Petticoats of Portugal” (1956): A lush, melodic tune that reached #17 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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“Man with the Golden Arm” (1956): A theme from the Frank Sinatra film, peaking at #22.
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“Fascination” (1957): Another hit, also peaking at #17.
These hits showcased Jacobs’ ability to create rich, orchestrated arrangements with pop appeal. He often blended traditional orchestra sounds with rhythm and blues or early rock elements.
Experimentation with New Sounds
Never one to rest on past success, Jacobs began experimenting in the late 1950s. For a short period, he explored skiffle, a genre that mixed folk, blues, and jazz elements. He later turned to what was then called “space-age pop” or “electro-sonic” music.
Jacobs released an album titled The Electro-Sonic Orchestra for Coral Records. It featured early uses of electronic sounds and was an effort to adapt orchestral music to a new, futuristic soundscape. This forward-thinking approach kept Jacobs relevant even as music trends evolved.
Work with Rock and Roll Artists
Jacobs was one of the few producers and arrangers of his era who embraced rock and roll. He helped arrange string sections for several rock records, particularly for Buddy Holly. His ability to blend orchestral arrangements with a rock rhythm section gave these recordings a unique flavor that broadened their appeal.
Jacobs also worked with artists like Jackie Wilson, Bobby Darin, and Jimmy Clanton, helping bring polish and sophistication to their sound.
Later Years and Legacy
By the early 1960s, Jacobs had largely moved away from active performing. He continued to work behind the scenes as a producer and A&R executive. After the merger of Decca and MCA, Jacobs retired from the music industry in the late 1970s.
In 1982, he published Who Wrote That Song?, a reference book that listed composers and lyricists of over 9,000 popular songs. It became a useful tool for music historians, collectors, and fans.
Dick Jacobs passed away on May 28, 1988, in New York City at age 70. While he is not as well-remembered as some of his contemporaries, his contributions to American music remain significant.
Selected Discography
Coral Records:
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“Petticoats of Portugal” / “Butternut” (1956)
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“The Big Beat” / “The Tower Trot” (1957)
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“7-11 (Mambo #5)” / “The Marchin’ Drummer Blues” (1958)
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The Electro-Sonic Orchestra (1958)
Brunswick Records:
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“Now” / “Barefootin’” (1967)
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“Saturday Music” / “Dance Back to Me” (1967)
Decca Records:
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“What’s So Bad About Feeling Good” / “Forgetting You (Esquecendo Você)”