To say that Bob Dorough lived an extraordinary and productive life would be an understatement
Born on December 12, 1923, in Cherry Hil (Polk County) and raised in the plains of Plainview, Texas, Bob Dorough's life journey was extraordinary, weaving through war, television, and jazz history.
The Dorough family's connection to southwestern Arkansas began when Bob's paternal grandfather, William, relocated to the state after serving in the Georgia Infantry during the Civil War.
William married Sarah Fannie Apperson in 1872, and they had ten children, all born in Aly, Yell County, where they homesteaded.
The youngest of their children, Robert Lee “Bob” Dorough, became a Quartermaster Sergeant in World War I. He married Alma Audrey Lewis on December 21, 1921, in Mena.
Robert Lee Dorough was a farmer, postmaster of Eggar, and sold cars and insurance. Bob Dorough Jr., the subject of this article, was one of three children born to the couple. They settled in Cherry Hill after their marriage but moved to Plainview, Texas, in 1936.
From a young age, Bob Dorough's life was infused with music. His mother, a housewife and sewing machine instructor, instilled in him a love for melodies and rhythms.
During World War II, Dorough served in Army bands, playing piano, clarinet, saxophone, banjo, and taking on the role of arranger. This experience further cemented his passion for music.
After the war, Dorough pursued formal education at North Texas State University, studying composition and piano. The vibrant jazz clubs of New York City soon called to him, and as a graduate student at Columbia University, Dorough began performing in various venues, honing his craft and making a name for himself.
In 1956, Dorough released his debut album, "Devil May Care," showcasing his unique blend of bebop and cool jazz with a memorable rendition of Charlie Parker's "Yardbird Suite." His work caught the attention of none other than Miles Davis, leading to a collaboration that produced the iconic "Blue Xmas" for the compilation album "Jingle Bell Jazz" in 1962.
In 1960, Bob met German-born Ruth Corine Oese, who had emigrated to the United States with her husband, Bodo Ralph 'Ravell' Meinert, in 1948. They were a dance team performing at the Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos of Pennsylvania.
Ruth met Bob, fell in love, and after her divorce, they married. They settled in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, in a rural farmhouse which appealed to both of their roots.
They had one child, a daughter named Aralee.
Dorough's most enduring legacy arguably came from an unexpected corner of his career. In the early 1970s, he was approached to create educational songs for the animated TV series "Schoolhouse Rock!"
His song "Three Is a Magic Number" became an instant classic, enchanting children and adults alike with its clever lyrics and catchy tunes. Over the years, Dorough's contributions to the series have become cultural touchstones, remembered fondly by generations.
Despite his mainstream success, Dorough never strayed far from his jazz roots. Throughout his career, he collaborated with a who's who of jazz greats, including Blossom Dearie, Sam Most, and Dave Frishberg.
His work was prolific, with more than fifteen solo albums and contributions to over twenty albums by other artists, showcasing his versatility and enduring influence.
Even as he entered his later years, Dorough's creative spirit remained undiminished.
In 2007, he released the album "Small Day Tomorrow," featuring a blend of new songs and old favorites, reaffirming his position as a timeless voice in jazz.
Bob Dorough passed away on April 23, 2018, in Mount Bethel, at the age of 94.
He had been diagnosed with cancer, which had also claimed the life of his wife in 1986.
Dorough was laid to rest in Laurelwood Cemetery in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
