Instruments: Cornet, Trumpet
Date of Birth: February 23, 1906
Place of Birth: Florence, Alabama
Date of Death: June 1958

Florence, Alabama native "Bozo" Bose was born February 23, 1906. A gifted but wayward cornetist and trumpet player, Bose worked with various bands in New Orleans and St. Louis before joining Jean Goldkette in 1927. Bose later worked in radio, then became a member of Ben Pollack's band in 1930.

During the next decade, Bose drifted in and out of numerous big bands of the swing era, including those led by Joe Haymes (which became the Tommy Dorsey band while Bose was in its ranks), Ray Noble, Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Bob Crosby, Bobby Hackett, Jack Teagarden and Bud Freeman.

In the 40's he worked mostly in small group settings with Georg Brunis, Art Hodes and Miff Mole, and freelanced in several major cities. Despite his experience and a reputation for sound musical ability, Bose's restlessness allied to his heavy drinking prevented his career from ever blossoming. He suffered a long illness before dying of self inflicted gun-shot wounds, June 1958.

Source: Alabama Music Hall of Fame