Floyd O'Brien

Floyd O'Brien (May 7, 1904 – November 26, 1968) was an American jazz trombonist.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, United States. O'Brien first played in Chicago in the 1920s with the Austin High School Gang; later in the decade he played with Earl Fuller, Floyd Town, Charles Pierce, Thelma Terry, and Husk O'Hare. During 1930-31 he worked in a pit band at a theater in Des Moines, Iowa. He moved to New York City and played with Mal Hallett, Joe Venuti, Smith Ballew, Mike Durso (1933–34), Phil Harris (1935–39), Gene Krupa (1939–40), and Bob Crosby (1940–42).

In 1943, he relocated to Los Angeles and played with Eddie Miller, Bunk Johnson, Shorty Sherock, Jack Teagarden, and Wingy Manone. In 1948, he moved back to Chicago and there worked with Bud Freeman, Art Hodes and Danny Alvin. O'Brien had recorded with Freeman as early as 1928; other recordings include with Eddie Condon (1933 and later), Fats Waller, Mezz Mezzrow, George Wettling (1940), Charles LaVere (1944), Albert Nicholas (1959), and Smokey Stover. His lone session as a bandleader yielded two singles for Jump Records in 1945, which were also released under LaVere's name.

Birth and Death Data: Born May 7, 1904 (Chicago), Died November 26, 1968 (Chicago)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1933 - 1942

Roles Represented in DAHR: trombone

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Victor BS-84417 10-in. 9/28/1934 Serenade for a wealthy widow Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and talk instrumentalist, trombone  
Victor BS-84418 10-in. 9/28/1934 How can you face me? Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo and talk instrumentalist, trombone  
Victor BS-84419 10-in. 9/28/1934 Sweetie pie Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trombone  
Victor BS-84420 10-in. 9/28/1934 Mandy Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trombone  
Victor BS-84421 10-in. 9/28/1934 Let's pretend there's a moon Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trombone  
Victor BS-84422 10-in. 9/28/1934 You're not the only oyster In the stew Fats Waller and his Rhythm Jazz/dance band, with male vocal solo instrumentalist, trombone  
Columbia W265156 10-in. 10/10/1933 Blue interlude Chocolate Dandies instrumentalist, trombone  
Columbia W265157 10-in. 10/3/1933 I never knew-1 Chocolate Dandies instrumentalist, trombone  
Columbia W265158 10-in. 10/10/1933 Once upon a time-1 Chocolate Dandies instrumentalist, trombone  
Columbia W265159 10-in. 10/3/1933 Krazy kapers Chocolate Dandies instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 38844 10-in. 10/15/1934 You gotta give credit to love Johnnie Davis Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 38866 10-in. 10/22/1934 Don't stop me if you've heard it before Johnnie Davis Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 38867 10-in. 10/22/1934 Were you foolin'? Johnnie Davis Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 38868 10/22/1934 A hundred to one it's you Johnnie Davis Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 38869 10-in. 10/22/1934 Congratulate me Johnnie Davis Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 67059 10-in. 1/16/1940 I've found a new baby George Wettling's Chicago Rhythm Kings instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 67060 10-in. 1/16/1940 Bugle call rag George Wettling's Chicago Rhythm Kings instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 67061 10-in. 1/16/1940 I wish I could shimmy like my sister Kate George Wettling's Chicago Rhythm Kings instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 67062 10-in. 1/16/1940 Darktown Strutters' Ball George Wettling's Chicago Rhythm Kings instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69270 10-in. 5/29/1941 Do you care? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69271 10-in. 5/29/1941 Will you still be mine? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69272 10-in. 5/29/1941 You're a darlin' devil Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69273 10-in. 5/29/1941 Big Tom Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69449 10-in. 6/30/1941 It was only a dream Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69450 10-in. 6/30/1941 Elmer's tune Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69451 10-in. 6/30/1941 The angels came thru Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 69452 6/30/1941 La plus que lente Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93634 10-in. 3/28/1941 Well, well Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93635 10-in. 3/28/1941 Call it anything (It's love) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93636 10-in. 3/28/1941 Look at you, look at me Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93637 10-in. 3/28/1941 Far away music Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93638 10-in. 3/28/1941 Flamingo Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93639 10-in. 3/29/1941 Those things I can't forget Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93640 10-in. 3/29/1941 I'll keep thinking of you Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93641 10-in. 3/29/1941 Precious memory Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93642 10-in. 3/29/1941 I've nothing to live for now Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca 93643 10-in. 3/29/1941 Juke box Judy Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2108 10-in. 8/3/1940 Cow cow blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2140 10-in. 9/10/1940 Take me back again Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2141 10-in. 9/10/1940 I'll come back to you Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2142 10-in. 9/10/1940 You're bound to look like a monkey when you grow old Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2271 10-in. 12/13/1940 Tea for two Connie Boswell ; Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2272 10-in. 12/13/1940 Yes indeed! Connie Boswell ; Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2273 10-in. 12/13/1940 Christmas greeting to New York Connie Boswell ; Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2274 10-in. 12/16/1940 San Antonio Rose Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2275 10-in. 12/16/1940 It makes no difference now Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2276 10-in. 12/16/1940 The mark hop Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2277 10-in. 12/16/1940 Burnin' the candle at both ends Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2290 10-in. 12/23/1940 Dolores Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2291 10-in. 12/23/1940 Pale moon Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2292 10-in. 12/23/1940 The big noise from Winnetka Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2293 10-in. 12/23/1940 Something I dreamed, no doubt Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2308 10-in. 12/30/1940 Chick-ee-chick Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2309 10-in. 12/30/1940 Blue echoes (Cuatro vidas) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2310 10-in. 12/30/1940 Until you fall in love Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2311 10-in. 12/30/1940 Much more lovely Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2347 10-in. 1/6/1941 Sunset at sea Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2348 10-in. 1/6/1941 I, yi, yi, yi, yi (I like you very much) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2349 10-in. 1/6/1941 Chica-chica-boom-chic Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2722 10-in. 9/4/1941 A gay ranchero Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2723 10-in. 9/4/1941 Something new Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2724 10-in. 9/4/1941 I'm trusting in you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2725 10-in. 9/4/1941 From one love to another Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2767 10-in. 9/17/1941 My imaginary love Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2768 10-in. 9/17/1941 A sinner kissed an angel Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2769 10-in. 9/17/1941 Weekend in Havana Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2770 10-in. 9/17/1941 Two in love Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2771 10-in. 9/17/1941 Take it easy Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2834 10-in. 1/20/1942 Vultee special Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2835 10-in. 1/20/1942 Russian sailors' dance Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2836 10-in. 1/20/1942 A Zoot suit (For my Sunday gal) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2837 10-in. 1/20/1942 Barrelhouse Bessie from Basin Street Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2838 10-in. 1/20/1942 Brass boogie, part 1 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2839 10-in. 1/20/1942 Brass boogie, part 2 Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2851 10-in. 1/27/1942 Sugar foot stomp Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2852 10-in. 1/27/1942 King Porter stomp Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2853 10-in. 1/27/1942 Jimtown blues Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2854 10-in. 1/27/1942 Eccentric (That eccentric rag Cor. CRL-57089, (G) 94099EPC) Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2855 10-in. 1/27/1942 Milenberg joys Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2856 10-in. 1/27/1942 Original Dixieland one-step Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2867 10-in. 1/29/1942 That da da strain Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2868 10-in. 1/29/1942 Sweethearts on parade Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2869 10-in. 1/29/1942 It's a long, long way to Tipperary Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2870 10-in. 1/29/1942 Tin roof blues Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2885 10-in. 2/5/1942 'Way down yonder in New Orleans Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2886 10-in. 2/5/1942 You'll be sorry Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2887 10-in. 2/5/1942 Tears on my pillow Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2888 10-in. 2/5/1942 I'll be true to the one I love Bob Crosby's Bob Cats instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2907 10-in. 2/17/1942 Black zephyr Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2908 10-in. 2/17/1942 Blue surreal Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2909 10-in. 2/17/1942 Chain gang Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2910 10-in. 2/17/1942 Ec-Stacy Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2928 10-in. 3/3/1942 Poor you Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2929 10-in. 3/3/1942 I'll keep the lovelight burning Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2930 10-in. 3/3/1942 Don't sit under the apple tree Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2931 10-in. 3/3/1942 Last call for love Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2932 10-in. 3/3/1942 Dear old Donegal Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2989 10-in. 5/25/1942 Lazy Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2990 10-in. 5/25/1942 Let's start the New Year right Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2991 10-in. 5/25/1942 I've got plenty to be thankful for Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2996 10-in. 5/27/1942 I'll capture your heart Fred Astaire ; Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2998 10-in. 5/27/1942 When my dreamboat comes home Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca DLA 2999 10-in. 5/27/1942 Walking the floor over you Bing Crosby instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3059 10-in. 6/26/1942 I hung my head and cried Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3060 10-in. 6/26/1942 You're my darling Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3061 10-in. 6/26/1942 The end of the world Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3062 10-in. 6/26/1942 You broke my heart, my darling Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3091 10-in. 7/13/1942 Anchors aweigh Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3092 10-in. 7/13/1942 Over there Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3109 10-in. 7/19/1942 Where do we go from here? Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3110 10-in. 7/19/1942 The caissons go rolling along Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3111 10-in. 7/19/1942 Semper paratus Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3112 10-in. 7/20/1942 (Pack up your trouble in your old kit bag and) Smile, smile, smile Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3113 10-in. 7/20/1942 The Army Air Corps official song Bob Crosby Orchestra instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3160 10-in. 7/30/1942 I don't care any more Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3161 10-in. 7/30/1942 It makes no never mind Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3162 10-in. 7/30/1942 I told you so Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  
Decca L 3163 10-in. 7/30/1942 I'll never cry over you Mary Lee instrumentalist, trombone  

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "O’Brien, Floyd," accessed November 1, 2024, https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/100201.

O’Brien, Floyd. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved November 1, 2024, from https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/100201.

"O’Brien, Floyd." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 1 November 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod1.library.ucsb.edu/names/100201

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