Gus Arnheim & His Orchestra - This Is Heaven

Gus Arnheim (1897-1955) was an early popular band leader. He is noted for writing several songs with his first hit being I Cried for You from 1923. He was most popular in the 1920s and 1930s. He also had a few small acting roles. In 1919 three men who all would become famous band leaders played together at the Sunset Inn in Santa Monica, California. Arnheim played piano, Abe Lyman played the drums, and Henry Halstead played violin. In 1930-31, Arnheim had an extended engagement at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles. When Paul Whiteman finished filming The King of Jazz for Universal, The Rhythm Boys vocal trio, consisting of Bing Crosby, Harry Barris and Al Rinker decided to stay in California and they signed up with Arnheim's band. Arnheim's Orchestra backed Crosby on a number of songs released by Victor Records in 1931. These popular records, coupled with Arnheim's radio broadcasts featuring Crosby's solo vocals, were a key element to the beginning of Crosby's popularity as a crooner. This lovely record was made in 1929. Vocal by Buster Dees.