(HorizonPost.com) – If you grew up in the 70s, chances are you learned about how a bill becomes a law on “Schoolhouse Rock!” The legendary songwriter who penned the catchy and informative tune, Dave Frishberg, passed away on November 17 in Portland, Oregon, at 88 years old. No doubt his words will continue to delight and educate generations. While many know him from his “I’m Just a Bill” song, that’s merely one of his many lifelong accomplishments. Most of his work appealed to the adult population, especially those who love jazz.
Bill mourns the passing of Dave Frishberg, composer of “I’m Just a Bill” and part of the coterie of hepcat jazzers—Grady Tate, Bob Dorough, Blossom Dearie—who wrote the songs of Schoolhouse Rock! It was Frishberg’s idea to enlist the trumpeter Jack Sheldon to sing Bill’s part. pic.twitter.com/VlPjXWno98
— David Kamp (@MrKamp) November 18, 2021
Frishberg wrote his first song, “Peel Me a Grape,” in 1962 and went on to produce enough tunes to fill 20 albums during his lifetime. He wrote material for and performed with such stars as Gene Kelly, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Rosemary Clooney, and Zoot Sims.
However, songwriting and playing jazz on the piano weren’t his only talents. The gifted artist was also a singer, opening for Bing Crosby and earning a song introduction on a Mary Tyler Moore special for the number he wrote for her.
The sometimes cynical, and often comical, Frishberg received two Grammy Award nominations in the 80s. Although he didn’t win that particular honor, he never stopped creating beautiful and toe-tapping music for the world to enjoy.
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