Doc Bagby
{{Short description|Musician from USA}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Harry "Doc" Bagby
| birth_name = Harry Camilus Bagby
| birth_date = {{birth date|1917|8|1}}
| birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|1970|9|3|1917|8|1}}
| death_place = Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|Producer|Band leader}}
| spouse = Barbara Kemp (née Barbara Ward)
}}
Harry "Doc" Bagby (né Harry Camilus Bagby) was an American studio musician who played piano and organ, and backed many artists in pop and jazz. He played a major part in the music scene from the late 1940s to the late 1960s. He was also a bandleader and solo artist in his own right. He released many singles throughout his career. He is also the co-composer of the hit song "Rock the Joint" which has been recorded by Jimmy Preston and Bill Haley.
Background
During the 1930s while still a teenager he played at many house parties and became a requested musician. During the 1940s he started up his own orchestra which lasted until he was drafted into military service. Post 1945, he managed a record store and soon after was working for Gotham Records.The Audiophile Man, 24th June 2016 - [http://theaudiophileman.com/doc-bagby-smooth-organ-groove-organ-little-known-immensely-influential-wholly-innovative/ Doc Bagby and his smooth organ, groove organ: little known but immensely influential and wholly innovative] The roles he had for the label were music adviser, talent scout and A&R man.AllMusic - [http://www.allmusic.com/artist/doc-bagby-mn0000793948 Doc Bagby, Biography by Eugene Chadbourne] As its music director he produced numerous records.The Audiophile Man, 24th June 2016 - [http://theaudiophileman.com/doc-bagby-smooth-organ-groove-organ-little-known-immensely-influential-wholly-innovative/ Doc Bagby and his smooth organ, groove organ: little known but immensely influential and wholly innovative]
Career
=1950s=
Prior to coming on board as a staff member for Gotham Records, Bagby added his piano and organ to recording sessions for the label.The Melody Man: Joe Davis and the New York Music Scene, 1916-1978, By Bruce Bastin - [https://books.google.com/books?id=W-YaBwAAQBAJ&dq=%22Doc+Bagby%22&pg=PA293 page 293]
One singer that Bagby and his group backed on a few recordings was Doris Browne. In 1953, Bagby and his group backed her on single "Oh Baby" bw Please Believe Me" which was released on Gotham G-290.Billboard, March 28, 1953 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=LwsEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Doris+Browne%22Doc+Bagby&pg=PA44 Page 44 Rhythm & Blues] He also backed her on her single, "Until The End Of Time" bw "Why Don't You Love Me Now, Now, Now?" Gotham G-296, and another recording "The Game Of Love" bw "My Cherie" which was released on Gotham G-7298 as a 45.45Cat - [http://www.45cat.com/artist/doris-browne Doris Browne - Discography]
In 1957, he released the album, Honky Tonk in Silk on the Epic label.Billboard, May 20, 1957 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=qR0EAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Doc+Bagby%22&pg=PA117 Page 117 * Reviews and Ratings of New Popular Albums] It was reported in Billboard that both the album and the single, "Dumplin's" b/w "Sylvia's Callin'" which was released on the Okeh label were standout sellers.Billboard, 19 August 1957 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=SCEEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Doc+Bagby%22&pg=PA68 Page 68 New & Newsworthy]
=1960s=
In 1964, his single "Rubberneck" bw "Cornbread" was released on the Vim label, cat#519. He released many other singles on an assortment of labels.Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/artist/447575-Doc-Bagby?filter_anv=0&subtype=Singles-EPs&type=Releases Doc Bagby Discography, Singles & EPs]
Producer
Among the recordings he produced were "I Got A Gal" bw "Bewitched" for The Mowhawks which was released on Val-Ue 211 in 1960,Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/The-Mohawks-I-Got-A-Gal-Bewitched-Bothered-Bewildered-/release/3367142 The Mohawks (2) – I Got A Gal / Bewitched ( Bothered & Bewildered )]Encyclopedia of Rhythm & Blues and Doo-Wop Vocal Groups, By Mitch Rosalsky - [https://books.google.com/books?id=L4ghJfL5iBIC&dq=Mohawks%22I+Got+A+Gal%22&pg=PA400 Page 400 Mohawks (Philadelphia)] and Davenport Sisters with their single, "I Was Teasin'" bw "Our Summer Vacation Is Over", released on Vida DV 0108 in 1963.Discogs - [https://www.discogs.com/Davenport-Sisters-I-Was-Teasin-Our-Summer-Vacation-Is-Over/release/3434696 Davenport Sisters – I Was Teasin' / Our Summer Vacation Is Over]
Family
He was married to Barbara Kemp (née; Barbara Ward; 1919–2009), who collaborated with him in songwriting.
Death
Bagby died on September 3, 1970, following a short illness.Billboard, October 17, 1970 - [https://books.google.com/books?id=iikEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Doc+Bagby%22September+3%2C+1970&pg=PA27 Page 27 Talent, From The Music Capitals of the World, NEW YORK]
References
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Category:American male pianists
Category:20th-century American pianists