Bob Dorough, the “Schoolhouse Rock” performer and writer, died Monday at the age of 94. He was also a respected jazz musician and recording artist.
Dorough was responsible for transposing classic hits such as “Three Is a Magic Number” and “My Hero, Zero” during his time working on the iconic cartoon series made popular in the 1970s, The Wrap reported.
Dorough’s musical journey stemmed back to his teenage years, when he joined his Texas high school’s band and then later played in a special services army band, where he honed his skill as an arranger, clarinetist, saxophonist, pianist, and overall entertainer.
According to his biography, Dorough chose to pursue a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of North Texas before heading off to New York City in hopes of making it big.
It was there that he discovered the jazz scene, which he immersed himself in.
Years later Dorough made his first recording, “Devil May Care,” in 1956, which paved the way for a successful musical career.
In the early 1970s Dorough was commissioned to work on “Schoolhouse Rock,” which ran until 1985 and made a comeback for a further five years in the 1990s.
“I sometimes say, the kids grow up and now they’re [older], and now they go to bars and drink!” he said in a previous interview, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
“They discover me again, playing at bars! ... It was designed to educate, but I attempted to write songs that would entertain anyone, from ages 2 to 92.”
In 1995 Dorough signed to a prominent jazz record label, Blue Note Records, with which he recorded three albums that firmly embedded his name in the music scene.
To date, Dorough has received numerous accolades for his musical efforts.
Pennsylvania honored him with the Governor's Artist of the Year Award while his home town inducted him into the Arkansas Jazz Hall of Fame.
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