Cool jazz pianist, singer, composer, songwriter, and producer Bob Dorough, best known for educating thousands through his Schoolhouse Rock! songs, passed away on April 23, 2018. He was 94 years old. His son, Chris, confirmed that Dorough died of natural causes at his home in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania.
Robert Dorough was born on December 12, 1923 in Cherry Hill, Arkansas. During World War II, Dorough participated in Army bands as pianist, clarinetist, saxophonist, and arranger before studying composition and piano at the North Texas State University. Throughout his life, Dorough held a variety of jobs including playing piano at local jazz clubs, being hired for a tour by boxer Sugar Ray Robinson, and recording with jazz vocalist Blossom Dearie. After moving to Los Angeles, he released his first album Devil May Care in 1956. Jazz legend Miles Davis later sought out Dorough to provide lyrics and vocals on his Christmas record, Jingle Bell Jazz.
Between 1972 and 1996, Dorough wrote and directed episodes of the educational animated TV series, Schoolhouse Rock!. After being tasked by the shows creator David McCall to “put the multiplication tables to music,” Dorough wrote “Three Is a Magic Number.” This led to his official role as musical director for the show, where he created all of the songs for Multiplication Rock. He later contributed songs and performances to Grammar Rock, America Rock, Science Rock, Money Rock, and Earth Rock. Iconic hits such as “Conjunction, Junction” and “I'm Just a Bill” were among the songs Dorough created to help educate viewers about simple math, grammar, and the legislative process.
During his later career, Dorough co-wrote the song Grammy-nominated “Comin’ Home Baby” for Mel Tormé. He also partnered with Stuart Scharf on two albums for the folk-pop band Spanky and Our Gang, before becoming the vocalist for The 44th Street Portable Flower Factory. While here he recorded cover songs for Scholastic Records from 1973 to 1985. Afterward he toured Europe with saxophone player Michael Hornstein, bassist Bill Takas and drummer Fred Braceful. Later on, he wrote and illustrated a book of Blue Xmas as well as three songs to accompany Maureen Sullivan’s books about Carlos the French bulldog: Ankle Soup, Custard and Mustard, and Christmas Feet.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Sally Shanley; a daughter from his second marriage, Aralee Dorough; two stepsons, Christopher and Peter Wolf; a brother; and seven grandchildren.
