About Freddie Rich
Lived 1898 – 1956 (aged 58). Freddie Rich was an American musician, pianist, bandleader, composer, conductor and jazz musician.
Frederic Efrem Rich (January 31, 1898 – September 8, 1956) was a Polish-born American bandleader and composer who was active from the 1920s to the 1950s. Among the musicians in his band were the Dorsey Brothers, Joe Venuti, Bunny Berigan, and Benny Goodman. In the early 1930s, Elmer Feldkamp was one of his vocalists.
Early life Rich was born in Warsaw, Poland.
Career Rich was a pianist and formed his band in the early-1920s.
Most of Rich's records are typical dance fare of the era. However, during the period between November 1929 and March 1931, there was a scattering of hot jazz versions of popular tunes, with notable solos by Bunny Berigan, Tommy Dorsey, Jimmy Dorsey, Joe Venuti, and Eddie Lang. These celebrated recordings include "A Peach of a Pair" (October 29, 1930), "I Got Rhythm" (October 29, 1930), "Cheerful Little Earful" (November 19, 1930), and "I'm Tickled Pink with a Blue-Eyed Baby" (November 19, 1930).
Nominations 1943 - Nominated for Academy Award for Original Music Score (Scoring of a Musical Picture) for Stage Door Canteen 1944 - Nominated for Academy Award for Original Music Score (Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture) for Jack London
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in Freddie Rich's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Freddie Rich's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Freddie Rich?
Polish-American jazz musician (1898–1956)
When was Freddie Rich born?
Freddie Rich was born on 31 January 1898 in Warsaw.
When did Freddie Rich die?
Freddie Rich died on 8 September 1956 in Beverly Hills.
What was Freddie Rich's occupation?
Freddie Rich was a musician, pianist, bandleader, composer, conductor and jazz musician.
What nationality was Freddie Rich?
Freddie Rich was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Freddie Rich. https://biography.guide/freddie-rich/
MLA: "Freddie Rich." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/freddie-rich/.
Chicago: "Freddie Rich." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/freddie-rich/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:02 UTC