Bob Trendler facts for kids
Robert Trendler (born May 11, 1912 – died July 18, 2011) was a famous American bandleader and songwriter. He was also the music director for the WGN Orchestra for many years. In Chicago, people knew him best as "Mr. Bob." He led Bozo's Big Top Band on the popular kids' TV show, Bozo's Circus. This show was a favorite for children watching TV during lunchtime.
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Robert Trendler's Early Life and Music Journey
Robert Trendler was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 11, 1912. He was the only child of John and Kathryn Trendler. Music was a big part of his life from a very young age. He started playing the piano when he was just six years old.
Robert spent a lot of time at radio stations as a kid. His mom was the music director at a radio station called WLW in Cincinnati. When his mother, who was an opera singer, traveled to Europe, young Robert was good enough to play piano for her. When he was 21, Robert began working at the station. He played piano and helped arrange music.
His work arranging music took him to New York City. There, he got to work with very famous musicians. These included George Gershwin, Cab Calloway, and Duke Ellington. He also learned a lot about jazz music from people like Eddie Duchin. Robert came to Chicago for a job playing piano at the Century of Progress fair. Soon after, he started working for WGN Radio.
Leading the WGN Orchestra and Bozo's Circus Band
By 1941, Robert Trendler was leading the WGN Dance Band. He was also the director for the WGN Choral group. Sometimes, he even worked with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In 1956, he became the main director of the WGN Orchestra.
While he worked on many radio shows, he became super famous as "Mr. Bob." He led a 13-person band on the weekday Bozo's Circus TV show. This show was on WGN-TV and was very popular with kids. People remember him as someone who loved to join in the fun. He didn't mind getting a pie in the face during the clown skits!
Robert Trendler's Family and Hobbies
Robert met his wife, Annette, in Chicago. She was part of a singing group called The Three Graces. They were performing with Rudy Vallée at the time. Robert and Annette had two sons. They raised their family in Lake Forest, Illinois. Their home was surrounded by beautiful flowers. Robert also had a very large vegetable garden.
When he wasn't working, Robert enjoyed photography. He also had a big model train set. Cycling was another one of his favorite hobbies. He used to race speedboats, but he stopped after his sons were born.
Retirement and Later Years
Robert Trendler retired from WGN in 1975. After he retired, the big 13-person band he led became a smaller band with only three members. Robert and his wife Annette moved to Florida to enjoy their retirement.
In Florida, Robert was an active member of the Sarasota Broadcasting Club. He loved attending their meetings. In 2010, he went to every single meeting!
Robert Trendler passed away peacefully on July 18, 2011. He was 99 years old. His wife Annette had passed away in 2002.
Songs
- "Kiss Me", a song recorded by Lisa Kirk, written by Trendler and Redd Evans 1949, covered by Claire Hogan 1959, Billie Laine 1961
