Dick Jurgens
Video
Oral History Information
Interview Date
Birth Date
Deceased Date
Job Title
Band Leader, Songwriter
This audio only interview was conducted for a radio program by Dan Del Fiorentino and donated to the NAMM Oral History program: Dick Jurgens formed a popular dance band during the big band era and enjoyed a string of hit recordings, several which he composed. The ever-humble songwriter and musician, Dick rarely bragged about the success of his dance band, the sellout crowds, and the long engagements at some of the country's top ballrooms. He did however, like to boast that Eddie Howard, one of the great singers of the era, got his start in Dick's band. Among the wonderful songs Dick wrote or co-wrote: "Careless," "Elmer’s Tune" (which was a hit for Glenn Miller), "One Dozen Roses," and his theme song "Day Dreams Come True at Night."